Posted on 27th November 2009 by Ron Knowles in Politics
aging, dignity, economics, financial uncertainty, fixed income, health, Politics, retirement, senior citizens, socializing, unemployment, working
I was having coffee and donuts with neighbors this morning as we do every Friday when the fast-paced conversation suddenly jackknifed in the middle of the table just like a big rig would, causing a verbal pile up about the unemployment situation in Oregon. Presently we’re at a little over twelve percent with rural counties running higher than that. Oregon! One of the first to get hit in the ass and the last to recover.
Our donut crew consists entirely of seniors who in case you didnt know it are also affected by the socialistic policies (thats my opinion) of this administration that are resulting in the meltdown of our U.S. economy. Who we voted for at this juncture really doesnt matter, even if we cant recognize what the real reasons are for the job losses and high prices or who is behind it all. What is important is were all Americans and we all feel the results.
Maria, the 85-year old matriarch widow who sat on my right has a pretty good retirement income and for the most part doesn’t have to worry. She can have a gardener mow her lawn, she take trips and really doesn’t do without. But she is very concerned for her kids who all live in California, which is experiencing an economic meltdown.
On my left sat Pete, in his seventies who suffers from a type of palsy but has a great sense of humor and tries to live out his days not thinking too much about economics. His wife Doris however, is very concerned. They’ve already had to sell their home because they just couldn’t afford to stay there any more and now they live in a much smaller apartment. I’m sure she wonders what will become of her when Pete dies.
Bob, the diabetic and his wife Paula sit together. Bob just had part of his stomach removed for some reason and lost some weight, too. He and Paula (both in their sixties) are officially retired but Bob still has to do the books and taxes for some local companies in order to make ends meet. It seems they’re feeling the pinch, too.
Being a sixty-six year old guy it would be nice to retire. So many people just assume that I’m enjoying the fruits of my past labor and living the good life. Here’s a wake-up call for all of those that think everyone my age is actually retired. Many, many of us can’t afford retirement. In fact, I predict that it’s going to get a lot worse for seniors in the future if the economy continues as it is.
Let’s use me as an example. I compose articles to submit online. This is one of many published on the Internet. Since Social Security doesn’t pay me enough to live on and I have no pension, this is how I make my living. No complaints! It’s my reality and so long as I can still continue writing, I’ll survive and thrive.
In any case, next Friday the donut crew will gather around the table again, I suppose. The talk will be about the news or whatever and life will continue. At least until the day comes when one of us eats their final donut. Until then, our gathering represents a microcosm of seniors who are pretty much ignored in this country including how our sabotaged economy is affecting us.
Our illustrious politicians all pander to us for our valuable votes. They promise all sorts of things and even the world which of course is not theirs to give; all for the price of a ballot. But when so many gullible, trusting seniors vote them into office they are promptly ignored and dismissed. The politicians know that we’ll probably die off pretty soon anyway so not to worry. Besides, there’s a whole new generation of seniors coming down the pike that they can lie to for votes.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, Ron Knowles reveals insightful lessons on how to learn and earn at home from his website and even has an educational newsletter that helps people decide on the best business choice for doing so. For those who need to make more money and stay at home, his system is insightful.
Posted on 13th November 2009 by Benjamin Baker in Politics
employee, labor union, labor unions, Politics, Trade Union, Trade unions, union, unions, work, worker, worker union, worker unions, workers, working, workplace
In the face of today economic recession, more and more people are finding themselves in grave situations. Some are fortunate, and have only to suffer a few small inconveniences. The most they have to do in order to manage would be to spend less. But others are not so fortunate. Some people will actually be unemployed tomorrow or maybe next week.
There is almost never a guarantee that you can keep your job. And with today economic climate, new jobs are even more difficult to find. Indeed, today, one should be very grateful if he is employed and should do all in his power in order to keep that job. However, this does not mean that you should forget your rights. Be careful, because when people are desperate for jobs, it becomes easy to exploit them.
Effects of an Economic Recession
Economic Recessions are hard for everyone. No one is exempted. Even multimillionaires have to cut costs during recessions. That is why its not uncommon to see employees getting laid off by the hundreds when there is a recession. Sometimes, it really is unavoidable. But there are instances when some employers would take advantage of the situation. They would keep wages at the barest minimum, an amount that would probably be inappropriate for the amount of work being asked for. Some employers would even keep some workers as contractual employees when they should be promoted as regulars.
And because times are difficult and looking for work would be difficult, if not impossible, then some employees would settle for such awful working conditions. After all, if they speak up, then its highly likely that someone more desperate for work would be available, and the employer would sooner fire them than give in. Its a good thing, then, that there are groups such as trade unions that are dedicated to protecting employees from exploitation.
Role of Trade Unions
Trade unions are organizations comprised of employees who work together for a common cause: improved working conditions. Trade unions make sure that workers will not be sacked needlessly and unjustly. In fact, trade union would ensure that the wages the workers get would be adequate and appropriate for the quantity of work done. They also make sure that the employees receive bonuses and benefits that they are entitled to. Trade unions act as negotiators for employees and employers. Alone, one worker would not have a voice. But with a trade union, he is certain to be heard.
When you do not know much about Trade Unions and you need to make a seek online for information about them, please take a look at my site fagforening. You can find everything about Trade Unions.
Posted on 3rd November 2009 by Benjamin Baker in Politics
employee, labor union, labor unions, Politics, Trade Union, Trade unions, union, unions, work, worker, worker union, worker unions, workers, working, workplace
Whether or not you must join a trade union the moment you start working is a very important decision. It’s one of the things that should be always taken seriously. Oftentimes, however, people feel as if they’re in a tug of war between their bosses and the trade unions. Companies are generally mistrustful of those who are members of unions, for fear of some lawyer coming to knock at their doors due to some obscure clause in the labor code.
Trade Unions, on the other hand, are often out to improve their roster of members. Trade Unions give a whole new meaning to the term “there is power in numbers”. This becomes a dilemma for the employee, making them puzzled as to what decision to make. If you encounter this problem and you’d like to come up with a solution, do take note of these things first.
About Coercion
First and foremost, understand this: nobody can coerce you into doing anything that you do not want to do. This goes for employers as well as unions. If you do not want to join one, then you don’t have to. Trade unions often charge a bill called a union subscription to their members, so if you’d like to avoid this, then you always have that option. Likewise, if you do want to join a trade union, then your employer has no decision in it. Also, you can choose whichever union you like. You do not have to be limited to those trade unions that your employer recommends.
Should a problem ever crop up in relation with your decision to join or not to join a trade union, then you have the privilege to report your employer to the employment tribunal. An employee cannot and must not be treated unfairly in order to sway him or her to follow the employer’s wants. And, if you happened to join a union and take part in its activities which were detrimental to the company’s reputation, you must not be held accountable and must not be treated unjustly because of it.
Trade Unions and Employment
Some employers only hire those people who are part of certain unions. But this is unlawful. They should not use a person’s choice of trade union hinder his chances of employment. And should this be the case, then the employer can be reported to the employment tribunal as a result. Also, job requirements focusing on a person’s involvement or non-involvement with a trade union are not allowed to be placed in any job advertisement.
When you do not know a lot about Trade Unions and you need to make a lookup on the Internet for information about them, please take a look at my website fagforening. You can find everything about Trade Unions and so on.
Posted on 31st October 2009 by Benjamin Baker in Politics
employee, labor union, labor unions, Politics, Trade Union, Trade unions, union, unions, work, worker, worker union, worker unions, workers, working, workplace
Every person, whether great or small, is entitled to his rights as a human being. However, defending ones rights is not exactly the easiest thing as there are those who are more than willing to trample on them when given the chance. Fortunately, there are groups that are devoted to protecting the rights of people, especially those who are marginalized. A group that is specialized for matters regarding the labor law and the defense of employees rights is termed a Trade Union.
What are Trade Unions?
Trade Unions specialize in helping workers assert their rights. It is crucial for all workers to sign up for a trade union that is acknowledged in their state so that they may be protected from abuse.
Trade unions are most commonly known for being behind some of the uprisings and protests that their members go on whenever there is a big disagreement between them and their employers. Because of this, opinions about Trade Unions vary among the people. Some members may view them merely as disturbers of tranquility. But in reality, trade unions do much more help than harm.
What is Their Function?
Strikes and rallies arent the only actions that trade unions are good for. In fact, in reality, these actions are used only as the last resort. Other methods of negotiation are exhausted before doing something extreme. They will do this so that the working conditions of their members would become good. Other things they do include giving free legal advice to their members.
Nowadays, where everything has a price, and just good legal advice from a barrister could already cost a fortune, trade unions really do help. The leaders and management of trade unions understand the labor codes ins and outs and can therefore give invaluable advice. Also, when a member of the trade union has some problems with the law in something related to to his job, then the trade union could also provide assistance, most especially in cases where the employee cannot afford to pay for his own lawyer. The trade union would make sure that their member is aptly represented and has a chance at defending his rights. Truly, it would be very beneficial to any employee to join a Trade Union.
When you do not know much about Trade Unions and you want to make a search on the Network for information about them, please take a look at my site fagforening. You can find everything about Trade Unions.
Posted on 26th October 2009 by Jack Harrison in Politics
employee, labor union, labor unions, Politics, Trade Union, Trade unions, union, unions, work, worker, worker union, worker unions, workers, working, workplace
Exploitation – it’s something that we all have to protect ourselves from. If we allow it to happen, we could possibly be bringing down our ruin, and in effect, that of the society. Any society where the gulf between rich and poor becomes so large that it’s almost hopeless is bound to meet its demise eventually. A society cannot stand on an impoverished working class and an excessively rich aristocracy. If there’s anything that history tells us, it’s that. It’s a good thing, then, that trade unions were formed. Trade unions are here to ensure that the gap between rich and poor never becomes too big. Trade Unions protect the workers from exploitation.
What do Trade Unions Stand For?
Trade unions are there to protect the rights and ensure the privileges of the working class. They act as a mediator for the workers and their employers, negotiating salaries, benefits, and other concerns. When the employers resist and continue exploiting their employees, trade unions move in and organize rallies, demonstrations, and strikes.
They also give assistance to workers who have problems with the law and have no money for hiring barristers. Moreover, trade unions educate the workers about their labor code, allowing them to understand when they are being exploited and when they should stand up and protest. Trade Unions also protect the marginalized employees in the working force from discrimination, ensuring that they receive equal treatment.
How can you Join Trade Unions?
Joining a trade union is pretty easy. The most appropriate option would obviously be to pick a trade union that your employer recognizes. There’s a bigger chance of the union reaching its goals, and subsequently improving your life, if the companies recognize it. If there isn’t any, however, you can always ask around and see which trade unions your colleagues joined.
Just make sure that the Trade Union you will enter into is approved by the TUC or the Trade Unions Congress. After all, if there’s something that a trade union needs in order to be really heard by the employers, it’s credibility. Be reminded though that joining a Trade Union is never ever mandatory. You always have the right to choose so don’t let anyone think that they can coerce you into joining. But really, the benefits of joining far outweigh the disadvantages.
When you do not know a lot about Trade Unions and you need to make a search online for information about them, take a look at my link fagforening. You can find everything about Trade Unions.