Top of worry list: work, work, work

Posted to The Age (8/5/2012) on 8/5/2012 at 2:34 PM
Commenting on "Top of worry list: work, work, work"
http://www.theage.com.au/executive-style/management/top-of-worry-list-work-work-work-20120504-1y47u.htm

It was just one of those hectic month-end years ago that the mainframe computer system chose such auspicious to go down. I was managing the computer department then. The phones were ringing, and users were asking for their hardcopy reports. I could not do anything to get the system up and running.

My MD saw me having my cup of coffee, looking very relaxed, and asked curiously why I looked so calm and showed no sign of being stressed.

I replied, "I can do a great job in designing software, managing my staff, getting the department running smoothly, but I can't perform miracles. I am not an engineer, and I have to leave it to the expert to fix the hardware before I can continue my work. There's no point in getting myself stressed over this"

Penalty rates under fire from celebrity chef

Posted to The Age (10/1/2012) on 10/1/2012 at 10:51 AM
Commenting on "Out of the frying pan: penalty rates under fire from celebrity chef"
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/out-of-the-frying-pan-penalty-rates-under-fire-from-celebrity-chef-20120109-1prx3.html

The labour and industrial relation systems must be revamped if Australia is to survive for long haul. Pay rates must be deregulated, where there is one and only one minimum wage set for all industries, including senior and CEO positions.

This may sound like exploitation of cheap labour at first glance, but on the contrary only the good, willing and genuine workers will get the job. A job is a commodity, and it is up to the job seeker to bid for the job through a combination of pay rate and negotiation skill. If consumers go for cheap imports or online bidding / purchasing for goods of certain quality, why can’t the employers do the same?

Once an employee has proven their ability and effective contribution, it is unlikely for an employer to go for someone cheaper of unknown quality.

There are people who want to work weekend or nightshift due to other commitment, and are prepared to accept normal rate. There are good workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of theirs, are prepared to take on jobs at any rate in order to keep up with the mortgage payment and put food on the table. Being employed is a privilege as well as a right.

Diners' wallets feel sting of price hikes

Posted to Herald Sun (4/9/2011) on 4/9/2011 at 3:47 AM, 12:36 PM (Not Published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Diners' wallets feel sting of price hikes"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/diners-wallet-feel-sting/story-fn7x8me2-1226128846243

Those who don't want to work weekends or public holidays for normal pay, they are free to stay at home. There are many who want to work to earn extra to pay the mortgage or save up for rainy days

It is absurd from the start to introduce penalty pay, no matter what the industry is. Andy H, only if you become an employer, you will realise what you said is nonsensical. If bosses don't make money, they might as well pack up and put their money in the bank; they don't need the headache in employing staff, and risk making a loss every time a customer is served.

Just be rational for a moment - would anyone want to pay 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 times for train, tram, bus or plane tickets, takeaway or restaurant meals, taxi fares, utility usages, supermarket items, consumer items, entertainment, on weekends or public holidays. If the answer is no, then why should the workers pay at high rates?

Council staff hard at work - on Facebook: How employees use site more than any other

Posted to UK Daily Mail (24/12/2010) on 25/12/2010 at 1:09 AM

Commenting on “Council staff hard at work - on Facebook: How employees use site more than any other”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1341245/Council-staff-hard-work--Facebook-How-employees-use-site-other.html

Misusing or stealing an organisation’s resource is an offence which SHOULD lead to the dismissal of the culprit. Spending excessive hours on Facebook, in short, is misusing or stealing the Council’s time, the most valuable resource in any organisation. These staff should be dismissed without any hesitation.