The irony of GM’s profit nearing record highs a year after claiming it couldn’t afford to meet its workers’ pay demands seems almost comical at first glance, but beneath that surface is a grim reality that speaks volumes about the state of corporate America. I find myself reflecting on how often I’ve encountered this narrative, where companies cry poverty just as they are about to close negotiations that could lead to meaningful improvements for their employees. It’s a playbook that’s become all too familiar over the years.
When GM executives, led by CFO Paul Jacobson, proclaim about the strong revenue growth and profitable operations while simultaneously refusing to uplift workers’ wages, I can’t help but feel a knot in my stomach.… Continue reading
The devastating news of the Tennessee plastics plant employees trapped and some among the missing and dead due to Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters is heartbreaking. The fact that the employees were not allowed to leave until the water had covered the parking lot is both tragic and enraging. One can’t help but wonder why these employees were not instructed to stay home in the first place, especially with the knowledge of the approaching hurricane causing damage and flooding inland.
It is appalling to think that these employees were threatened with losing their jobs if they left the plant before it was too late.… Continue reading
Boeing workers have spoken loud and clear – 96% voted to strike. That level of unity is truly remarkable and should send a powerful message to the top brass at Boeing. The fact that so many employees are willing to walk off the job speaks volumes about the dissatisfaction and frustration that has been brewing for a long time.
Boeing, once a titan in the aerospace industry, has been plagued by mismanagement, greed, and a blatant disregard for its workforce. The continuous disrespect shown towards employees, coupled with the shameless bonuses handed out to executives, has created a toxic environment that has finally reached its breaking point.… Continue reading
The recent news of U.S. Steel warning of potential plant closings if the sale collapses paints a grim picture of mismanagement and desperation within the company. The revelation of a $500 million share buyback in 2023, coupled with a significant one in 2021, points to a company in dire need of financial infusion due to poor decision-making by its executives. It is appalling to see CEOs and board members reaping substantial paychecks while driving the company into the ground.
The whole ordeal reeks of corporate greed and selfishness. Executives should be rewarded for steering a company towards success, not for leading it towards the brink of collapse.… Continue reading
It absolutely boggles my mind how someone can climb the corporate ladder, become the CEO of a bank, and then fall victim to a simple scam like the Nigerian Prince scheme. It just goes to show that intelligence, or lack thereof, does not discriminate based on position or title. The fact that this ex-CEO fell for a cryptocurrency scam, stole money from his own bank, a church, and even his daughter’s college fund is beyond comprehension.
The sheer audacity and delusion of thinking that pouring more money into an investment to “unlock returns” is a legitimate strategy is mind-boggling. What’s even more alarming is the fact that this man was seen as a pillar of the community, preaching at his local church, and testifying before Congress.… Continue reading
Starbucks is giving incoming CEO Brian Niccol a whopping $85 million in cash and stock as he departs Chipotle. This mind-boggling amount highlights the stark disparities in our society. While CEOs like Niccol rake in millions, front-line workers struggle to make ends meet. It leaves me questioning the logic and fairness behind such exorbitant payouts to corporate executives.
In his first year alone, Niccol’s pay package could reach a staggering $116.8 million if certain targets are met. This level of compensation is truly outrageous, especially when hourly employees don’t see a significant increase in their wages. It’s disheartening to see the widening gap between top executives’ salaries and the rest of the workforce.… Continue reading
Disney’s recent attempt to invoke its terms of use to prevent a lawsuit concerning a tragic allergy-related death is a blatant display of corporate greed and insensitivity. The fact that they would try to shield themselves from accountability in such a heart-wrenching situation is despicable. The argument that by merely signing up for Disney+ or purchasing theme park tickets, individuals waive their right to a jury trial is preposterous. It is a clear abuse of power and an attempt to evade responsibility.
The case of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan’s death due to severe allergies at a restaurant in Disney Springs, a third-party operated venue, is indeed tragic, but it is Disney’s response that is truly appalling.… Continue reading
I can’t believe the ordeal that Carleen Acevedo, a 72-year-old Home Depot employee in San Ramon, California, had to go through. That fact that she was fired for failing to stop $5,000 in fraudulent transactions is truly disheartening. I can’t help but feel immense sympathy for her situation. The stress and financial strain she must have endured after losing her job at that age is unimaginable.
What strikes me the most about this situation is the disparity in treatment between Acevedo and the teenage new hire who was earning more than her. It’s appalling that after seven years of dedicated service, she was earning less than a new employee.… Continue reading
When I first read about the Forest Service ordering the Arrowhead bottled water company to shut down their California pipeline, I was shocked to learn about the blatant misuse of such a precious resource. The reports revealing that 94% to 98% of the water diverted monthly was being delivered to an old hotel property for “undisclosed purposes” while the company claimed to be bottling none of it truly left me perplexed. All this time, Californians have been facing droughts, and here we have a corporation extracting millions of gallons of water per month for mysterious reasons.
What struck me the most about this situation was the fact that the hotel and conference facility on the property were not even operational, yet the volumes of water being extracted had significantly increased.… Continue reading
Customers who save on electric bills could be forced to pay the utility company for lost profits. Sounds outrageous, right? Well, it seems like a dystopian nightmare where basic human needs are turned into profit-churning machines. The idea that just because people are using less electricity, they should be punished financially is absurd. Yet, here we are, facing the reality of being charged for not consuming goods or services at a rate deemed profitable by the corporation.
In Louisiana, customers who participate in energy efficiency programs could potentially face fees for the electricity they would have used if it weren’t for their efforts to save energy.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker