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When employers exploit employees...
Hello FGBers!
I am sorry to always sound negative, but I got into a conversation with a gentleman who works at the small wine shop as a second job. I was shocked to learn that he and his coworkers had all been told that, effective immediately, their pay would be cut by 5% and an ADDITIONAL 1% for every week the pandemic continues. These employees are not working from home, by the way. They show up each and every day, putting themselves at risk for COVID-19, and yet they are punished for doing so. I would have loved to have asked him for the name of the company, but didn't want to push it. I think this is not only terrible, but inhumane! Is anyone else out there experiencing such overtly exploitive treatment from their employers?
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
04/03/20 at 10PM UTC
Most of you participating and following this conversation have heard the slogan, "We are all in this together." That means ALL. Employees. Business owners, Customers. Investors. Vendors.
Money is tight everywhere. There is a federal promise of funds for individuals and businesses but none has been received yet.
It probably would have been more democratic for the business to ask its employees to vote on whether they would be willing to take a pay cut or go on furlough in order to get unemployment instead. But maybe the business cannot afford to close its doors. We only have a small part of the story.
For me, there are two lessons here for employees.
1) Even for those working in an isolated department, it is beneficial to understand the bigger picture of the business. That might have enabled the employees to come up with better alternatives that they could have proposed to the CEO and Board of Directors (or whoever made the decision to cut pay).
2) In spite of what most of us were taught from the time we were children, having a job is not financially secure. It is unwise to depend solely on one source of income. Those who have other streams have those to fall back on at times like these. They might even expand on them. Or start their own business--a business that can provide solutions for others during this challenging time.
We can all adapt and grow through this. But to do so, we have to focus on what we can do rather than blaming others. Because blaming others will solve nothing. Focusing on what we can do make can make a world of difference.
Anonymous
04/03/20 at 8:38PM UTC
This occurred at my company this week. We had a few layoffs, a few furloughs and then the rest of us are taking 15-20% pay cuts. I am so very thankful to have a job. It’s truly survival at this point. Our revenue has gone down 70%. The economy is suffering horribly. We just have to understand every situation is different.
Losusky
20
04/03/20 at 4:23PM UTC
Is this a large chain of 'wine' stores? Does the boss show up daily to work and expose him/herself to the public or is the boss home counting the nickels and dimes? How terrible could this be. Exploitation. Funny, karma has a funny way of coming around.
Joanne BrownMarketing and Communications person
92
04/03/20 at 3:40PM UTC
Everything is in such turmoil. I know there are loans available for small businesses under the new Congressional initiative. https://www.newsy.com/stories/the-coronavirus-small-business-loan-program-starts-friday/
I don’t know the details or requirements, but it’s worth checking out and possibly sharing with people’s companies.
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
1.73k
04/03/20 at 3:12PM UTC
On one hand, I agree with the others who don't see this as exploitation.
On the other hand, for me, it depends on WHY the company is making the pay cut.
I'm very fortunate and grateful that my company is allowing everyone to work from home right now. However, if the president came to me and said, "I need you to stay on, but I'll have to cut your salary for now" - I'd do it.
Patty Moss
130
04/03/20 at 3:12PM UTC
I've been schooled. Thank you for showing me the many sides to this dilemma .
Flossy Client Solutions Consultant
1.98k
04/03/20 at 2:21PM UTC
As someone that was laid off vs furloughed, I would have gladly taken a 20% cut. This is not abuse, it is economic survival.
Anonymous
04/03/20 at 1:44PM UTC
I may agree with last comment! My son works for a chemical company. All contractors were let go, then 4 of 7 employees were furloughed, including my son's manager and also his roommate. The next day, my son was told that the $5/hr "combat pay" for laboratory personnel that had been instituted 3 weeks ago was now rescinded. In addition, the annual raise that had been finalized in January, set to start April 1, would not go into effect.
Elizabeth Blatchford
139
04/03/20 at 1:39PM UTC
Some small businesses are having to chose what to pay with reduced circumstances. My husband's firm, a small civil engineering company, just gave notice that 401K matches are on hold. It appears to be an effort to keep employees during this downturn and to defer non-essential business costs.
In NJ, there is some effort by the government to do "paycheck preservation" by offering small business loans to help businesses cover payroll during this crisis.
I work for a large multi-national & hear from colleagues in Europe about reduced workweeks with the government paying part of the paycheck. My Chinese colleagues experienced the shutdown in a very different way than we are. My Indian colleagues are experiencing a complete national shutdown,
We are living in a very challenging time world-wide, which will require creative solutions. Take care of yourselves!
GirlBossanova638544
16
04/03/20 at 12:42PM UTC
My son was laid off from his company along with 8 others. The 4 people and manager that stayed on had their pay reduced by 30 % and of course they are working more hours per week to cover. I told my son I thought he might be the more fortunate one in being laid off under those circumstances.
Janet ParkhurstCopy that gets RESULTS.
466
04/03/20 at 9:30PM UTC
Dear GirlB,
I agree with you. Before we know it, people will be working for close to FREE and unable to collect unemployment. It's a lose/lose!
Amy Carissa Oliver
653
04/04/20 at 1:34PM UTC
This won’t be true with the new law; the underemployed will also be eligible for unemployment. While they may not receive the base benefit, they will receive the supplemental benefit if they are losing significant pay.
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