Last Christmas season, when I was working at Cabela's, the human resources person spoke up at one of the morning meetings. She said she had been doing a lot of research recently on what she called "local resources". She said that many of us would qualify for some of the programs, even some of the management team. I was completely shocked at the time that she would say that in front of everyone. At the same time, all sorts of warning bells were going off in my head. I think that was an "aha" moment for me. I realized I was working for a large company whose net worth was expanding rapidly at the expense of the employees who were making it happen. After all, as a part time employee with no benefits, I was barely making ends meet. My cushion had been dwindling since I started my job and I was counting on working more hours over the busy holiday season to keep afloat.
This year, I heard that no part time employee was allowed to work more than 28 hours, even at Christmas. They were just going to hire more temporary people to fill in. I haven't been back to check on the reality of that. I'm guessing that if I stop by some day, I probably won't know anyone there anymore because the turnover is so over the top.
Today I heard that Walmart was having a food drive for it's own employees. I rushed home to see if it was true. Here's a link to one article on the subject: Food drive for Walmart Workers
The thought that taxpayer dollars are going to subsidize under paid employees totally rankles me. I thought about seeing what services I could qualify for, but I couldn't find any energy to try. Maybe I was afraid I would qualify. Or maybe I was afraid I wouldn't.
At Cabela's they have a giving program where you can donate to help other employees in times of need. I always felt a little queasy about that, too. I don't remember there being any matching funds from the company as an incentive or anything. It was impersonal and made me feel a little guilty, even though I really couldn't afford to give.
I know for a fact that most of the employees would do what they could and give what they could to help each other. There is some honest solidarity there, a comforting thought - and on a personal level.
I am grateful for the people I worked with.
