OUT SOURCING...

I was almost afraid to open this post up again, thinking I might have upset some people and not really wanting to be the cause of an argument. I'm feeling a bit better to know that I'm not that 'cutting edge' in my philosophy...

I just think this is such an opportunity for the whole global economy to learn and grow - we are learning from our offshore coworkers as much as they are learning from us. The first step outside your own comfortable world is a tough one, but after that, the view is amazing. American culture pushes diversity and the 'melting pot' idea as popular issues, but it seems that we have trouble with this in practice, sometimes. The economic world is shrinking and it's not like we can really talk about 'American' jobs any more. It's not about where you come from, it's about what your company's goals are and the best way to meet them. I guess in the big picture, it's not a life or death issue, but I feel like global operations get an underserved bad rap sometimes.
 
Grace (and catwoman) I agree entirely. It's scary and frustrating for anyone to lose his/her job. The reality though is that we live in a global economy now and American workers must adjust to that.

Sparrow


___________________
www.scifichics.com
 
GraceNote: I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to open up the thread to read further comments. I am the same way. I know I am in the minority on this issue, so it's a little scary speaking out against the status quo -- ya just never know how someone is going to react. Hopefully, you and I have opened a few eyes today about the reality of outsourcing (and offshoring) so that more people aren't so quick to say, "Outsourcing is bad!"
 
I think this is a sad short sighted way to do business. Corporation will just keep having to chase the cheapest labor around the world. Just like in the US the people of Mexico, India and China will eventually figure out what the work they do is worth and start charging more for it. Also, these sudden influxes of money into third world countries create great disparities between the haves and have nots. It is very disruptive to the economic development process.

If we are interested in changing this then we need to stop investing in companies that don't use the labor in America for their goods or services. Corporations don't see or hear anything that doesn't effect their stock value.

Good luck to your nephew in his next position.

KIM
 
Kim, yes the cheap labor will create great disparities of the haves and have nots, but that is happening right in our own backyard.

Many of us do not want to look at or acknowledge poverty at any level here in this country, but could not help but look at it when Katrina hit. This country right now is not about red states or blue states, but those who have money and those who do not. And that is just the stark reality of it. It would be ridiculous to assume that anyone would want to linger for a category 5 hurricane and not leave, but when you have the letter "P" attached to you (for Poor) there are not SUV's to load, no gas monies for the car/truck and no credit cards to stay at cushy hotels.

As, for the labor being cheap abroad. It is. That is why many steel companies have closed. They can not compete w/the prices abroad and the demands of workers/unions with the pay increases, much do to cost of living. How can one expect a person who was paid 25% more 10 - 15 years ago to go less in pay? Inflation does not go down, mortgages, taxes? Yet, companies threaten to go overseas for cheap if workers do not reduce their wages? Are these CEO's and persons of decision making reducing theirs? Not by the latest dividend and bonus check, they are not. So, much of this argument is happening right here and now in our own companies just downtown, and unfortunately they do not care.

We trust companies to do the right thing and have too much blind faith in them. We expect them to share the wealth, the philosophy if the "company does good and produce for a profit, we all profit". Unfortunately, many who are in these decision making roles, find that the "GREED" takes over, and they take many Americans for the ride everytime. Remember, the trickle down economy affect? Has anyone reaped benefit from that philosophy yet? Ask folks who worked for Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, United Airlines, etc. The list is endless.

It is all about those who have and those who have not. And if you are in the mix with the haves, lucky you, but that is not the majority because most do not have the luxury or option.

JMHO

Linda
 
I have tried staying away from posting here again since I have a vested interest in this so I am a bit biased. However my son has to train the people who are going to take over his job. They don't even speak english very well and this has been most frustrating for him I do not now nor will ever agree with putting Americans out of work and in the unemployment line because it saves a company some money. My son did a darn good job and this is the thanks he gets. He would leave now but that would mean if he didn't find a job he will not be elligble for unemployment since he left before the layoff. Makes no sense to me, I respect everyones opinions so I hope those who differ from me will respect mine.

Terri
 
The workers in India are paid quite well, a very good living wage for the work they do for the company my husband works for (which is owned by a Japanese company, by the way, even though it is a US operating bank...interesting, huh). Specifically, it is a good living wage for someone living in India. It is a lot cheaper to live in these countries. So, within the context of this country, it is an excellent thing for these workers. I have a hard time understanding how it could be bad for them or for their social network.

Yes it is unconscionable what some of these CEO's make....the bonuses are so $$$, it is so ridiculous. And for what? How "great" is one individual that you have to pay them that much and with the golden parachutes?

JEn
 
Terri,

I understand your opinion. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with making sense and everything to do with making money. That's always been the vested interest with big business. It's all about the bottom line.

Since this has been such a rude awakening for your son, I bet he will steer away from looking for another job where this could possibly happen to him again. Hopefully he can use his computer skills in another capacity. I wish him luck.
 
Terri:

My husband went through this 2 years ago. Luckily, he was in management capacity, able to get a decent exit package, but it was contingent upon training those taking his job, and yes from India with sparse English language. Meaning, okay English, but did they have the FULL gambit of our language, NO.

Your son does not like it, but this is how it is now. If you think companies invest and care about their employees, then you are 25 years behind the times. Your son is young, capable enough to move on. Yes, he may have some sour grapes in his mouth, but now he knows that he needs to keep his skill set honed so he is able to get a job if this ever happens again. Meaning keep his technology edge and keep up with the ever changing technology, so he is EMPLOYABLE. Mys husband used his downtime after his job and got his CISA, this auditing certification is hot right now. Due to the Sarbonne-Oxly bill passed, that companies have to have all computer systems auditied yearly and certified. Thanks to Enron!!! Again, remind your son to remain on the edge and employable. The computer industry is like any other industry. Only the employable survives. Sad ;( but true.

Tell him to keep his head up!!

Linda
"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."
Maya Angelou
 
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