:: rawblogXport ::

:: Sunday, May 23, 2004 ::

Working...And Poor BusinessWeek
At any moment, a boss pressured to pump profits can slash hours, shortchanging a family's grocery budget -- or conversely, force employees to work off the clock, wreaking havoc on child-care plans. Often, as they get close to putting in enough time to qualify for benefits, many see their schedules cut back. The time it takes to don uniforms, go to the bathroom, or take breaks routinely goes unpaid. Complain, and there is always someone younger, cheaper, and newer to the U.S. willing to do the work for less. Pittsburgh native Edward Plesniak, 36, lost his $10.68-an-hour union job as a janitor when the contractor fired all the union workers to make way for cheaper, nonunion labor. So far, Plesniak has been able to dredge up work only as a part-time floor waxer. The pay: $6.00 an hour, with no benefits. 'I feel like I'm in a nightmare,' says the married father of three. 'And I can't wake up.'

What's happening in the world's richest, most powerful country when so many families seem to be struggling? And what can be done?

posted 7:36 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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