However, there’s a tremendous double standard. You may have an at-will contract that says employer or employee may terminate the relationship in an instant.

If the employer lays off people, it is viewed as a sound business decision. Never mind if the employees are affected with major inconveniences.

If the employee quits, he is viewed as extremely immature, that he left his employer in a lurch and he is the bad guy. Worse, the employee will very likely receive poor or bad references.

One thing I am glad is reading it’s a 6% pay cut and not 100%. But don’t for a minute think that the employer/employee relationship is equal. Ask yourself how many people would work if they didn’t have to. Ask yourself how many employers discard perfectly capable people to just save a few bucks in a quarter, never to realize the cost in human capital, morale, and priceless forms of knowledge.

The value of the human capital is negotiable just like any other operating asset of a company. Whether collectively or individually, it is negotiable. I will pay the price for a transmitter or a morning show that is within my operating budget. If operating capital diminishes, it’s time to renegotiate. Likewise, a good PSC or collective agreement carries language that pays more when times (ratings) are good. When I get a call for voice work, I tell them “this is how much it is…” If they don’t like the price, they are free to go to someone else. I am also able to negotiate a lower price. After all, some work is better than none these days. Unions aren’t communist, they are a means for “talent” to consolodate a bunch of “smaller businessess” into one with more bargaining power to sell their product for the best price possible. The employer also has the right to negotiate, hire a whole new staff or close his doors.

“Good heaven’s “The”, what side of the fence are you on??? Have some syrup with that waffle.”

Jim, allow me to introduce you to a little concept I like to call “irony.” As an example, I direct you to my original comment.

“Workers choose where they work and they choose the terms of that employment. We are not in an environment where you are “ordered” to take a certain profession or employer! In this country you are not force-fed your employment.”

So, what’s wrong with negotiating with your employer using collective bargaining? The owners have the power of the checkbook and the workers, operating as a unit, have the power of the strike. Seems like a level playing field to me. Why should one side have all the power?

Workers choose where they work and they choose the terms of that employment. We are not in an environment where you are “ordered” to take a certain profession or employer! In this country you are not force-fed your employment. If the terms change, you can accept them or reject them. You are free to go and find another job.
Watch the news. I am in the same boat as the private sector facing pay reductions. I accept that as a term of my employment. I am human capital, just like the other capital such as inventory, overhead, etc… Which do you choose? a 5% across the board or 5% overall? If the latter, then who goes? In my own businesses, I make the decisions! Period. I put up the $$$, I take the risk and I make the decisions. My employees aren’t beholding to the bank, I am. I reward my employees well when they produce and business is good. When there is no production, I reduce in order to keep MY investment alive. There. There’s my speech. At least for the time being, an opinion I’m free to have.

Yeah, screw the workers! It’s not like they contribute anything to the success of a business. It’s all about the stock price, Baby!

That’s Commie talk, Comrade. Next, you’ll be advocating union membership. What has American come to?