just a wage rant.

[C_stripes]

I just felt like writing something.  So here it goes.

                                                                                        Subject,    Jobs and the American Economy

        Anyone that has a job right now will be noticing one thing. The price of living, IE. Price of Fuel, Food, Rent. etc... Is increasing fairly fast. The products that we are selling at work are getting more expensive, The Fuel to get to work is getting more expensive yet our wages are not changing. So what can we as the public do?  The only thing we can do is to keep working at our decreasing pay as the American dollar is getting worth less and less all the time. The Government does not car about the public. If they did. They would make shore that we would be getting help with our wages. I look at rent for instance. The place I live when I moved in in Oct. of 2006 was $650 a month. Now in January of 2008 it is at $750 a month. In Oct. of 06 Gas was just over $2.00 a gallon. Now in January of 2008 it is Over $3.00 a gallon. The gas bill for the appt. is up about $12 a month. The power is up about $10 a month. In November of 2006 I was making $9.50 an hour as the detail manager of a car dealer. In January of 2008 I am STILL making $9.50 an hour. They cut my holiday pay. They wont let us have over time and the American dollar is worth less than it was in 06. The Gov. should make it mandatory to give us all a raise of some sort. It is not fair to the American public to raise the cost of everything and lower our wages. I am guessing that anyone that does not have a high paying job will soon not be able to have any luxuries. It will be all we can do just to survive.

Rant over.     Jeremy

[charger_mike75]

Even if you got a big raise to overcome the rising costs, the result would still be higher prices. Every company would have to increase their prices in order to pay everyone. It's a sad fact but it's true.   

[C_stripes]

I know.  There is nothing we can do.

[A383Wing]

I haven'y had a raise in 2 years......everything goes up 'cept my paycheck.....can't cut out much more from our budget

Bryan  (ranting along with ya)   

[TK73]

I earned myself a raise, it is called a Bachelors degree.  That allowed me to stop working low-paying sh!++y jobs... living the American dream I am... 

[A383Wing]

Now if you could only fix yer TV!!!!!!!!   

Bryan

[TK73]

Now if you could only fix yer TV!!!!!!!!   

Bryan

Damn it, gonna have to hire some good help... Guatemalans maybe? 

[69CoronetRT]

I know.  There is nothing we can do.

Accept the fact that will never make what YOU think you are worth. You will only make what someone else thinks YOU are worth. Pretty much any way to make a living depends on someone else giving you their money for your labor or services.

If he thinks you are only worth $9.50 and hr that's what you'll make. What have you done to increase your worth to him? Are you doing the same thing you were doing when you started or have you developed a new process to speed up the detail process? Have you come up with a way to lower his costs? Are you faster than you were before? Have you come up with a new way to make cars shine better? What have YOU done to make yourself worth more to your boss so he can justify paying you more for your labor?

Looking somewhere else (the government) is the wrong solution to your problem. Learn how to do something to make you worth more to your current or next boss like TK73 did.

[bull]

The govt does care insofar as the economy is concerned and how it reflects on them and that's why both sides of congress and the White House will soon be passing another phony stimulus package pretty soon to "boost" the economy wth another short term "shot in the arm." The money will either be spent or saved and the "boost" will end as fast as it started. Don't get me wrong, I want my money back, but it's just a crock of you-know-what if anyone thinks it's going to do any long term good. IMO I hope the American consumer continues to put the strangle hold on the businesses of America until they figure out that their prices are too high. They also need to figure out that it's probably not a good idea to pay some lame-a$$ white collar executive more than Shaq makes to sit on his brains and lay people off for three years before getting fired himself and taking a huge severance package to his next white-collar executive assignment where he will repeat the process. Big business has been gouging us for too long, and I don't mean with tax exemptions. Too many people think higher taxes is what they need and that's pure BS. The govt raising taxes has never solved any real problems. We as consumers should punish big business by keeping our money, paying down our collective debt and making them pay for pricing everything in this country based on the wages of two-income households. We should also make them pay for making 70% of their products in China and for fostering a debt-happy populus and for allowing oil companies to get too powerful and for trying to make us suppliment their bottom line during Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day. Screw them, they charge too much and it's about time some of them withered on the vine. I'd rather buy my fuel and food from the farmer and barter for the rest.

[C_stripes]

I am working on getting a better job. As for what have I done to benefit the company. Lets just say that I have done allot. We used to need a crew of 8 people to get the cars done. Since I have been in the position I am. I have lowered it to 3 full time and two part timers.  The cars get detailed and put on the lot faster. The quality is better (My boss is always telling me that). and we do more now than we did two years ago. I figure were I cut out 5 full time jobs and turned them into two part time jobs. I should get something.  Its hard to be happy when you see the guys up in the office that do no labor. Just come in 3 to 4 days a week and work out issued making over $5k every two weeks when I am back there busting my balls. Finding cheaper chemicals and cutting down labor costs and they don't give me shit. The only reason I am still there is because it will look good on my next resume that I was a manager of a department for 2 years. The worst part is when they keep promising you things and they never come.  Its always talk to me next week, Talk to me next week etc..  Speaking of next week. The manager that works on the other side of the detail shop is doing a shitty job and will be loosing his job next week.  He does not know that yet but because they are going to put me in charge of his crew also. I know. So now instead of having only 4 people under me. I will have 9. I am guessing no raise.   But at least it is job security. Right now I think it will be hard for people to get jobs.
The reason I was saying anything about the gov. Is they need to figure out how to make our $$ quit dropping in value. Or It would be nice if the could slow down all the price inflation.  I know a few people that can only afford their housing and live on mac and cheese. It's only going to get worse.  Right now I am doing OK.  I am just worried for the future.  I also don't realy want to find a new job here as I don't really want to be here for much longer. Anyway.  Sorry for boring you all,       Jeremy

[69charger2002]

The govt does care insofar as the economy is concerned and how it reflects on them and that's why both sides of congress and the White House will soon be passing another phony stimulus package pretty soon to "boost" the economy wth another short term "shot in the arm." The money will either be spent or saved and the "boost" will end as fast as it started. Don't get me wrong, I want my money back, but it's just a crock of you-know-what if anyone thinks it's going to do any long term good. IMO I hope the American consumer continues to put the strangle hold on the businesses of America until they figure out that their prices are too high. They also need to figure out that it's probably not a good idea to pay some lame-a$$ white collar executive more than Shaq makes to sit on his brains and lay people off for three years before getting fired himself and taking a huge severance package to his next white-collar executive assignment where he will repeat the process. Big business has been gouging us for too long, and I don't mean with tax exemptions. Too many people think higher taxes is what they need and that's pure BS. The govt raising taxes has never solved any real problems. We as consumers should punish big business by keeping our money, paying down our collective debt and making them pay for pricing everything in this country based on the wages of two-income households. We should also make them pay for making 70% of their products in China and for fostering a debt-happy populus and for allowing oil companies to get too powerful and for trying to make us suppliment their bottom line during Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day. Screw them, they charge too much and it's about time some of them withered on the vine. I'd rather buy my fuel and food from the farmer and barter for the rest.

lol i'll admit i agree with most of what you said. well spoken. sad fact is america is too dumb to come up with a scheme that has to be so collective to work. there will always be 7 figure overpaid executives that really kill "profit margin" of big companies, and they do nothing to earn that salary except stay at the first company enough years to get up the scale.. of course my money isn't in the stock market too much anyway, what do i care? lol.. i make sure to stay out of debt at all costs. even if i did make $9.50 an hour, i wouldn't be in debt if at all possible. but regardless of what companies do there are always some people who make $9 an hour but live like they make $25 an hour, and that just doesn't cut it no matter how much inflation rises.. c stripes, i know that isn't you, don't think the comment is directed to anyone in particular.
trav

[RallyeMike]

The govt does care insofar as the economy is concerned and how it reflects on them and that's why both sides of congress and the White House will soon be passing another phony stimulus package pretty soon to "boost" the economy wth another short term "shot in the arm." The money will either be spent or saved and the "boost" will end as fast as it started. Don't get me wrong, I want my money back, but it's just a crock of you-know-what if anyone thinks it's going to do any long term good. IMO I hope the American consumer continues to put the strangle hold on the businesses of America until they figure out that their prices are too high. They also need to figure out that it's probably not a good idea to pay some lame-a$$ white collar executive more than Shaq makes to sit on his brains and lay people off for three years before getting fired himself and taking a huge severance package to his next white-collar executive assignment where he will repeat the process. Big business has been gouging us for too long, and I don't mean with tax exemptions. Too many people think higher taxes is what they need and that's pure BS. The govt raising taxes has never solved any real problems. We as consumers should punish big business by keeping our money, paying down our collective debt and making them pay for pricing everything in this country based on the wages of two-income households. We should also make them pay for making 70% of their products in China and for fostering a debt-happy populus and for allowing oil companies to get too powerful and for trying to make us suppliment their bottom line during Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day. Screw them, they charge too much and it's about time some of them withered on the vine. I'd rather buy my fuel and food from the farmer and barter for the rest.

Something tells me all the people working for "Big Businees" and need their jobs would not be happy with your plan.

[1969chargerrtse]

The only way to make more money is to do good work and move around.  The old days of being dedicated and staying with a company are way long gone.  You need to go out there and research and ask around and ask other dealerships.  Think about other departments and what they make and what it would take for you to get in that position?  Always keep moving but make sure it's up.  I'm in the elevator trade.  It's a dangerous business in ways but not really if you pay attention to what the dangers are or what your doing.  I was making a lot less, I asked a car buddy what he did as a living and he told me of this trade, and I did what ever it took to get in it and I'm so glad I did.   It was hard to get in it, and I worked with some of the biggest jerks at first, but now I'm on my own as a service tech and really like what I do and it pays well.  Look around , move around, don't give up.  Your as good as you make yourself but by human nature you will be taken advantage of, you need to go where you are better appreciated by what they pay you, not tell you.  Good Luck and never give up and stay positive.

[nh_mopar_fan]

I know.  There is nothing we can do.

Get an education.

[hemihead]

Chalk it all up to one ever present factor - GREED . If someone has a million dollars , they want 2 . Businesses want everyone to believe that the guy working the assembly line or doing the menial labor is what is making everything cost more . If his wages go up , then the price of a product goes up twice that amount just so the company makes more profit . I think some of these white collar people need to live in the real world for awhile . Cut their wages , benefits , and perks. Make them accountable for every hour of their working day and have a Boss breathing down their neck everytime they stop to take a breather from their job they are doing . Education is a good thing but you need to get a break along the way also . And in the world of everyone for themselves , that break is hard to find . Too many greedy people out there who would kill their mother to get ahead . I honestly don't know how some people sleep at night .  If you come up with a better idea to be more productive or save the company money all you get from your boss is a pat on the back and then your boss takes credit for the idea . Nice  , isn't it ? And people wonder why the world is they way it is .

[rusty lee]

I work for a union we get a raise every year guaranteed.

[RECHRGD]

I am working on getting a better job. As for what have I done to benefit the company. Lets just say that I have done allot. We used to need a crew of 8 people to get the cars done. Since I have been in the position I am. I have lowered it to 3 full time and two part timers. The cars get detailed and put on the lot faster. The quality is better (My boss is always telling me that). and we do more now than we did two years ago. I figure were I cut out 5 full time jobs and turned them into two part time jobs. I should get something. Its hard to be happy when you see the guys up in the office that do no labor. Just come in 3 to 4 days a week and work out issued making over $5k every two weeks when I am back there busting my balls. Finding cheaper chemicals and cutting down labor costs and they don't give me shit. The only reason I am still there is because it will look good on my next resume that I was a manager of a department for 2 years. The worst part is when they keep promising you things and they never come. Its always talk to me next week, Talk to me next week etc.. Speaking of next week. The manager that works on the other side of the detail shop is doing a shitty job and will be loosing his job next week. He does not know that yet but because they are going to put me in charge of his crew also. I know. So now instead of having only 4 people under me. I will have 9. I am guessing no raise. But at least it is job security. Right now I think it will be hard for people to get jobs.
The reason I was saying anything about the gov. Is they need to figure out how to make our $$ quit dropping in value. Or It would be nice if the could slow down all the price inflation. I know a few people that can only afford their housing and live on mac and cheese. It's only going to get worse. Right now I am doing OK. I am just worried for the future. I also don't realy want to find a new job here as I don't really want to be here for much longer. Anyway. Sorry for boring you all, Jeremy

C_Stripes, It appears that your "boss" recognizes that your doing a good job.  He tells you so and is putting you in charge of more people.  But, you don't say that you've approached him seriously about your lack of a raise given your performance and amount of time on the job.  If he keeps putting you off, before looking for a better place of employment, write him a letter or an e-mail.  Tell him that you've been past any probationary period for a long time and would like to be re-evaluated based upon your performance.  Detail the cost savings that that the company has seen since you took over the department and that you're now expected to take on more responsibilities because of your good work, thus providing additional labor cuts and savings.  I'm sure you know about what these people were making that are now no longer on the payroll.  Put a dollar value and percentages of cost savings versus your loss of income due to inflation over time to it.  You can bet that he is taking credit the increased efficiency with his higher-ups.  Do not sound angry, just layout the facts and tell him how much you enjoy working with the company and hope that you will have a long and mutually benefitial relationship.  Give him a date and time that you want to meet and leave it at that.  If you still get the runaround then start looking for another job, but my bet is that he knows a good thing when he has it and will take care of you.  Getting more education, as mentioned before, is always a good idea, but not everyone is cut out to be an executive or brain surgion.  Bob

[tkkruzer]

why is it that you want the Gov. to supply you with more money? why not get out and start your own business, and make the kind of money you want?  if we want the Gov. to supply our every need then we had better be ready to surrend more of our rights. if you want more money , get the Gov. out of the business of micromanaging things and you will see things get more affordable. just my humble opinion. thanx,,,,Tom

[bull]

Something tells me all the people working for "Big Businees" and need their jobs would not be happy with your plan.

Doesn't really matter if they're always being downsized anyway. Besides, it's not my job to keep them employed by buying iPods and Cheetos.

[hutch]

With me its taxes.  My property tax has gone up year after year where I live.  This current year of 2008 the county jacked it up another 100 bucks a month on my home and then they gave themselvs a pay increase.  I make good money and my boss gives us 4% every year plus a bonus when he can and its great.  But whats the point.  My family would be better off if I could just keep more of the money I make but the local govenment would rather take more of it so they can all live better.

I think our local, state and federal governments need to back the fuck off when it comes to just taking what they want and then spending what they want.  I work hard for my money and I need it to put food on the table.

[Brock Samson]

This sure touched a nerve in me... 
First thing is, I hate it when folks come up with a one line solution, Like "get an education", that blows,.. 
Do you know how many PhD are compeating for the same B.S. jobs?.. Today due to Affermitive Action Quotas "Young Women Of Color" and Job Applicants with friends in High Places, have the upper hand in the job market, make no mistake.
I live in one of the most competitive job/real estate markets in the world, and have seen first hand the effects of N.A.F.T.A. And the last few administration's handing the balance of power to the Major Corporations,.. they are WORLD based and not just U.S.Corporations anymore and so as the repercussions of this shift have resonated throughout the GLOBAL economy,.. we all will feel the effects. I sure did when in one year (2005) after 27 years as a loyal employee, my Cost Of Living jumped nearly 20% yet my pay was cut 12%, and my vacation was cut by a week, and i lost 4 sick days, and two holidays, and had to pay much more for my health benefits, and lost two co-workers meaning I had to pick up the slack and my union which had fought many decades for the previous gains?.. sold out my job classification to ensure the higher classification's stability, if only for the short term. So don't think that unions are the answer either... cause they'll throw you to the dogs when push comes to shove...
We are living in a time and location of lowerd expectations, the sooner we adjust by whatever means, the better we'll cope. I know unions are weak and corporations are strong and I'll have to find my own solution/s with God's help.
rant off.

[SFRT]

I decided 22 years ago I never wanted to have a boss again, and struck out on my own. I started small ( I'm talking 300 bucks and no car) and worked my businesses from the ground up. Over the years there have been ups and downs but the end result has been great.

I am a high school drop-out, btw, and the only advantage I ever got was 4 years military training. best 4 year education you can get IMHO...and I got paid to learn.

'wage' labor is a trap. it keeps you down.

you want high costs of everything? try living in San Francisco Ca. its insane.

[Ponch ®]

Look, komrads...the government this, the government that. You guys get pissed off and start crying about Big Brother when the government does something you don't like (like making some cars subject to smog regulations, or outlawing certain weapons). But as soon as you're in trouble, then the government is the panacea to all your problems and its not doing enough.

We live in a free market economy, which is already overregulated as it is. What you some of you guys are advocating is a form of welfare state (as if it wasn't bad enough already), and redistribution of wealth. Move to Cuba...I hear over there they don't have rich people.

[SFRT]

Castro does OK.

[Charger_Fan]

I work for a union we get a raise every year guaranteed.

And that's just wrong. Not to slam you personally, but a raise should be something earned, not something automatically received because you've managed to keep breathing & punching the time clock for another year.

Then there's my current situation...if I don't go begging for it when I think I'm due, I'll be ignored. Employees here don't get annual evaluations, it's just handled with "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" approach. The brown nosers in the company can get raises without much problem...I don't brown nose. I don't get raises often. You'd think I'd work somewhere else by now, huh?

SFRT, out of curiosity, what's your business?