Will Productivity Kill a Job Rebound?

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New slavery in America

How pitiful the situation of working America. Employers are not dumb, they are squeezing the blood out of common workers taking unfair advantage of an horrible labor market. But seems to me that nobody is up to stop this abuse, at least in my state (Florida), employers are like slave masters, never a question asked, free to abuse in any way the unfortunate employee.

And the Goverment? Well, they just are one more servant of the Corporations, and by the way, extremely loyal to them.

Julio A. Mesa of FL @ Jan 15, 2010 11:59:22 AM

New slavery in America

How pitiful the situation of working America. Employers are not dumb, they are squeezing the blood out of common workers taking unfair advantage of an horrible labor market. But seems to me that nobody is up to stop this abuse, at least in my state (Florida), employers are like slave masters, never a question asked, free to abuse in any way the unfortunate employee.

And the Goverment? Well, they just are one more servant of the Corporations, and by the way, extremely loyal to them.

Julio A. Mesa of FL @ Jan 15, 2010 11:59:21 AM

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web.seowebmaster of ID @ Nov 27, 2009 13:14:07 PM

To Address Allen of GA

Every company I have worked for has tried to get 'more for less'.

At IBM, my $$ per hour worked out less then minimum wage; I was a salaried employee. People kept silent thinking things would get better; in my 12 years, it never did. After 2 years w/o a vacation, 5 months w/o a day off, I quit. Never mind about the stock options, which I gave up.

In Texas State Government, Educational Branch, a minimum week is around 50 hours, as I am on salary. We can't work the hourly employees over 40, but administration is expected to be on call 24/7 with a bell around their neck. Oh, and be expected to pay some out of pocket for the 'required' cell phone, and outrageous parking fees at state sites.

I suppose this is the curse of an advanced degree; higher pay, but the average $$ at or below minimum wage.

Oh, and Allen, don't think that employers are investing in new technology to make the workers more productive; "they" say there is no money for technology upgrades. I found this especially funny at IBM. The Texas Educational system technology is pathetic.

There are probably places out there with technology that facilitate 60 hours of work in a 40 hour week, but I have not yet found such an employer.

David of EP of TX @ Nov 27, 2009 03:45:49 AM

Fear of losing job increases productivity

Has anyone considered that productivity is increasing because people are scared to death of losing their jobs so are working longer hours, for less pay (lost 5%) of mine this year.

Just to be able to pay the mortgage and the utilities and to keep food on the table.

cat of MO @ Nov 24, 2009 15:00:05 PM

no it will not

Productivity is increasing because of computers, software, and robots/machines. Its not actual human productivity increased but more automation.

http://www.powercareernow.com/

Allan of GA @ Nov 22, 2009 04:02:53 AM

Hmmm, I don't know

Once CEO's find out you really CAN get blood out of a stone, they're hardly likely to squander precious CEO bonus money on non-essentials. You know, like non-CEO's.

It's a strategy that doesn't work in the long run but how many corporate honcho's have a planning horizon that extends beyond the next Management Compensation Committee meeting? The effects of working with too few or under-qualified employees will be felt next year. That's a looooong time away and their take home dollars are calculated right now.

Mandy Cat of CO @ Nov 05, 2009 16:48:46 PM

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You're taking a break from your job-hunting and job-hopping ways and have decided to stay put in your current position. Liz Wolgemuth’s careers blog will show you how to make the very best of your job, each day.

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