I really hate this "no overtime for white collar workers" idea that Congress and Bush is flirting with. Everything should be equal, shouldn't it? Reading more into the proposed changes, I don't disagree with it as much. Mainly because they are raising the bar for disqualification of overtime.
Ah! But aren't you advocationg a progressive overtime qualification?
Well, no. It is still not fair to treat people differently. Those 8 million people who are losing overtime are objecting, I hope. And even those who will now earn overtime will object to the unfair treatment of others. Just as I object to the unfair qualifications for marriage that bar gays and lesbians.
I will still qualify, but I won't be working overtime either.
Many companies will fire anyone who gets too much overtime. Many workers aren't "allowed" to work more than 40 hours. I used to work for a grocery chain who put a lot of pressure on their workers to get a ton of work done in a short amount of time. There is such thing as overkill. But I suppose the dollars are often more important to the company than its workers or even the quality and cleanliness of the food!
High turnover is seen as a benefit for companies with low-skill workers because they don't have to give promotions or raises as often. Especially when the company gets Federal money for hiring an employee for 3 months (basically the cost of paying the employee). Why? Because the company supposedly teaches new "skills" to typically disadvantaged workers (is pushing a button a skill?). The company I am talking about is McDonald's. You will find more horrific stories in the book, Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.
The point? Companies often will get around the law so that they don't have to pay people more than they have to. No matter what the law says. I just wish there was a way to balance the power between employers and employees. If you tip the scales in favor of workers, productivity will stagnate. If corporations have the edge, then workers will be exploited. I really think respect needs to enter the picture somewhere. I respect those who respect others.
Here is a brief overview of the current changes taking place.
7:44:51 PM 
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