I'm trying to squeeze out a tear.
I think I pulled something, but no tears.
It's time for some gossip.
Yes, I realize this poster is sexist.
Yes, I would pummel someone who said this to me.
I still think it's kind of cute in a retro way.
Here's the big gossip of the day. Actually, it is a fact.
I have reliable sources but will go to jail before I reveal them. Unless they threaten me with a Federal offense then I'm singing like a bird.
Remember the girls from my bus tour?
Many Yellowstone Park employees are from Asian countries. There are agencies that set them up with jobs in the U.S., promising them opportunities to practice their English and a chance to explore our country. They pay a good chunk of money for the honor of cleaning rooms and working in kitchens.
All of us agree that these young people are an asset to Yellowstone Park. They are friendly, hard working, and polite.
This season, the company that shall remain nameless, over hired staff. It seems that last season, they didn't have enough employees, so they went gang busters this year. We over floweth with help. A lot of people have only been getting 3 days of work every week.
Employees in housekeeping and the kitchens have been offered an early out if they leave by the end of June. That means that they can still get their $3 a day bonus for completing their contract. Obviously, that didn't work.
The solution to this problem? The Asian employees are being terminated. They have already paid for their round trip tickets and you know what happens when you try to change them....additional costs. They also haven't been here long enough to make much money to cover the costs.
There have been tears and disappointments, yet they are too polite to complain.
I debated about posting this, but then...what the hey. I haven't told any of the managers about my blog. Didn't seem like a wise move. I'm not world famous, yet, so there seemed no danger of this showing up on CNN. I hear the oil spill is taking up most of their time.
I'm just reporting the news from my little town, my hot bed of intrigue, my home away from home.
Working for one of the companies that have contracts in Yellowstone Park is no different than working for any corporation. The bottom line is profit.
The answer to any concern here is, "But you have the privilege of living in Yellowstone Park for the season. You should be happy." I guess it's just the old hippie in me, but that isn't the best answer or even an answer for that matter.
Well, it is what it is. The wheels of the corporate world keep spinning just like my head.
But I'm going for every bit of fun I can wring out of this place before I leave. We are out of the rainy season and nature calls. Not the bathroom...the nature outside.
Work at 2:30. Back to the room by 11:00. Have I mentioned before that our dorm room smells like a gerbil cage?
Could be a dead yellow bellied marmot under the bed for all I know.
Until tomorrow.
4 comments:
As a businessman who has been Corporate on and off since 1972, you are absolutely correct about the profit motive, Profit is not a dirty word. However, it seems to me that the "nameless company" just time-traveled back to the 60's. When these hard-working Asians sign up for this "opportunity" they are told on the front end that they must live up to their contract. Isn't it a crying shame that this company will not live up to their end of the bargain? I lived in Japan for three years and have done millions of dollars of business with Chinese, South Koreans and Japanese here and in Mexico, and I have nothing bad to say about their business acumen or work ethic. Although I have never been a fan of work stoppages (strikes), this situation might warrant such an action on the part of housekeeping and food service employees to demonstrate solidarity and their genuine concern as to how their fellow workers are being treated. It's just like Dr. Phil said years ago relative to cheating wives..."if they do it with you, they'll do it to you." Truer words were never spoken! Any reader with a concern should contact the local media and blow the whistle before it is too late to salvage this unprofessional situation. CNN would have a field day with this as well as the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. God bless all of you there who are the unwilling led by the unable to do the unnecessary!
Wondering if what I heard is true...that the "company" is bringing in 500 newbies in July, who will have to be trained to do the jobs that the terminated Asians were doing? What's that all about?
I saw a poster here about the early out and thought it was strange that they were already trying to get rid of people when they're expecting a record year. I guess they could get rid of some people in reservations if the place is booked solid as I've heard. They certainly don't seem to be overstaffed in the EDR. I don't understand the rationale for targeting the internationals.
Another injustice by a large corporation who doesn't give a damn, I hope that someone does get the press involved and that some type of compensation is rendered to the employees who are being let go. Just get them back home at least, promise one thing and deliver another, wow that's totally unjustifiable.
And your countdown is on, good for you Judy to be sticking this one out. Have the best possible day you can! psst, I won't tell them who called the press. ;-)
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