Bacon:
: Wow! I've never seen a famous fictional story rewritten in such a way to illustrate employer-employee relationships. But if I recall, Crusoe shipwrecked on that island, and by situation was forced to do what he could to survive. In other words, he didn't own that anymore than Friday did.Everett Citizen:
Now apply that to Earth. Why do we accept the false premise that the boss class owns the island, Earth? This parody on Robinson Crusoe is meant to ask that question. Friday does not ask that question, and neither do you. Instead he (and you) accept that some layoffs are inevitable, and that the boss class holds all the cards, and the best we can hope for is a little generosity and early warning.
Bacon:
: Although layoffs suck, there are times when they cannot be avoided. But I do believe the approach to the inevitable traumatic event should be handled better than it often is. The humane thing to do is give the affected employees AS MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE to the inevitable, instead of just telling them something like "We're automating so effective immediately, your position is cancelled.", and then abrubtly kicking them to the curb. The trucking company I used to work for (I ran batch reports and other operations tasks on the IBM 36 there.) was notorious for eliminating positions on the spot. (An epilogue: said trucking company folded completely in 1991.)
Everett Citizen:
And I say it is WE who should give notice, "effective _________, we are reclaiming that which has been stolen from us for centuries."
Bacon:
: As for your illustration, it is quite intense. Most communities in North America are not wholey-company-owned. That trend never was big and it's all but extinct now.
Everett Citizen:
I disagree. It is more subtle, but look around. Small locally owned businesses are continually replaced by corporate chains. In Everett, WA in 1920 there were 150 grocers, 40 butcher shops, all independent and autonomous. Now there are 3 major chains that have an effective monopoly (oligopoly if you prefer) where food is concerned. And employment choices are more and more limited with every corporate merger. Don't kid yourself, Mike, the wholly-owned corporate town is here (and everywhere).
Bacon:
And unless you've agreed to the terms of an early retirement, there is nothing to stop you from hiring on at a competitor, or starting a business to compete with your former employer, provided you don't copy said former employer's product designs or use their name.
Everett Citizen:
Unless the 'competitor' merges with your former employer (and just as likely, supports the same puppet politicians and judges). Do you really think tomorrow you could compete with Exxon, Ford Motor Company, or Boeing?
Mike, The Everett Citizen
Organize and fire your boss.
None.
