For whom do you really work?

Lately there has been considerable news in paper, television and radio about the proposed bailout of the big 3 auto makers. There is a proven process for handling financial problems. It's called bankruptcy. The process of how the situation is resolved is not the focus of this article. The question is for whom do we work? This may seem to be a straightforward question, but perhaps not. For now, lets not look into those who chose not to work who are of working age. That will be for another time.

• For individuals who own their own businesses the answer is easy. The work for themselves, although at tax time they may question this answer.
• Politicians work for the people. If you believe this, be sure to give them an honest review at the poles the next time there is an election.
• Religious leaders. If they really work for God, the retirement benefits can't be beat.
• Salaried and non union hourly workers. They work for the companies that give them a check (or electronic deposit) on a regular basis.
• Unionized employees work for their unions.

Lets examine each of these categories.

• Self employed individuals. They are the backbone of our economic system. As a group they are the largest employers in the United States. The not only feed goods to larger companies but they fuel the economy.
• Politicians. For the people. That should be the answer and for some it is the answer. Another time we will look at our system of career politicians.
• Religious leaders. I am addressing only mainstream Judeo-Christian religious leaders for the sake of this article. Perhaps you will find my opinions on the others in a future blog.
• Salaried and non union workers. These are the individuals who who day after day must prove their worth to keep their position. This does not mean those who have been "downsized" are not worthy of their positions, they may have been caught in the numbers crunch.
• The final category being addressed is union workers. The only other valid category to which they can be compared is the salaried and non union workers. Ask the basic question "who calls the shots" or "to whom do they answer" and you will see the difference. Salaried and non union employees answer to the companies for whom they work. Unionized workers are controlled by the unions. In my opinion this makes them employees of the union and in turn they are sublet to companies.

Another fallout of this discussion is that because unionized workers really work for the unions, unions should be treated just any other corporation complete with all deserved scrutiny.
Tell me what you think.
Merry Christmas.
Datadiver December 13, 2008