CentralFlGal wrote:alicia-w wrote:I have to disagree. There arent any jobs i would take for $10 an hour let alone less than that. Call me high maintenance but it just isnt enough these days.
Some people simply do not live in areas where $9 or $10/hour at the workplace is offered. And, no, it isn't enough for anyone whether you're high maintenance or just trying to feed a family. Wage increases have not kept up with the cost of living as I have stated before, and I have no clue how to combat this phenomenon. But I do know we can thank Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers for setting the precedent of low wages, no health benefits (aside from the "Hey, we offer them" but don't pay enough for employees to partake in them) and running higher-paying competitors out of business by undercutting prices.
"Nickled and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich is a book I highly recommend to all. The writer goes "undercover" and tries to survive on a blue collar wage in several areas. Working two jobs in Key West while living in a run down trailer without a car didn't even cut it.
I live in Charleston...and I think that North Myrtle Beach has $$$$ (hello tourism anyone???). If she has keys to the establishment then she should be making more than that!
I think I remember you posting before BUD about this establishment... Please PM me so I know which store not to patronize in SC. I do agree with you that SC has some of the lowest paying jobs in the US but do you guys enjoy any benefits at all?
Unfortunately SC is an "at-will" state...(can be a fortunate as well)...one can quit whenever they want but consequently can get fired for no reason...if she does speak up and does get fired...don't just go get another job right away MILK THEM FOR UNEMPLOYMENT!!!!! They have to pay (most likely unless they can prove it is your fault).
One option would be to subvert her direct manager and bring the issue to the next highest up. Tell him/her your personal situation...that she "likes" working there and feels she has a lot to offer the company but that with rising costs along the board it is difficult to make ends meet...then she might have a better idea where she stands...my point is that it might just be this one manager who "has it out for her" so to speak (which I also vaguely remember from the last time this came up)
I think there is a major intimidation/borderline slavery type system at work at this establishment...I am trying to remember the last time this came up and why...but for some reason I got that same feeling the last time.
As for the "skimping the paycheck" you could have her also bring that up as well...I am sure that you have a "Human Resource Manager" or something to that extent that should be able to produce a time card when asked...then add up the time on the card and if it doesn't match they owe her compensation (or a damn good reason) and if not given such compensation call the Dept of Labor and report them (if she has in her mindset that quitting is what she wants to do).
Another thing that comes to mind is...is this other manager a male? If she has been harassed she might be reluctant to inform you...it is a very serious probelm in the workplace and also can affect raises, promotions, etc....not that this is the case here but I brought it up because no one else has mentioned it as of yet...
Anyways...best of luck! And let me know via PM which establishment not to frequent in the "Palmetto State".