daylan b (198 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 09:12 PM
Original message
I had to cut pay for four employees today
And you know how much it sucks when it happens to you? Well, it sucks twice as bad when you're the one doing it to people.
I had it happen to me once when I was employed and I've been cutting my own "pay" quite regularly since the downturn started. None of that compares to the physically ill feeling I got when I spoke the three ladies and one gentleman I had to tell were going to either take a 20% pay cut or risk being laid off.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8815340Wait I thought obama saved us from the recession. How could it be that you need to cut pay for your employees?
Never fear though the tax increases that are forthcoming in Jan will make it so you don't have to worry about cutting people's pay anymore you will just have to cut their jobs.
rug Donating Member (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 09:14 PM
Response to Original message
1. What would happen if you didn't cut their pay 20%?
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daylan b (198 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 09:20 PM
Response to Reply #1
4. Speaking in abstract terms...
We'd start cutting into bone, selling off assets, start tearing down the company entirely.
We cut all the 'fat' last year we've been cutting some 'meat' this year.
I thought liberals believed that everyone should get high pay and profits should be low or non existent. So why should your business be allowed to try to make money? You are as greedy as the other business owners you goons bash on a daily basis.
datasuspect Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 10:36 PM
Response to Reply #4
24. say you are saying that a 20% margin on payroll is the only thing standing between
you and the failure of your business?
couldn't you make that up in sales, acquiring new business?
laying off one and get two to work smarter/more efficiently?
what type of business is this?
I have a great idea simply charge the rich people you do business with higher prices.

Frustratedlady Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 10:05 PM
Response to Reply #9
18. Good for you for trying to hold on to the company.
Surely, your employees will understand and cooperate in trying to build the business back up when the time comes.
Good luck! You sound like a good employer.
And I'm sure if a repuke business owner cut pay by even a penny an hour you would be behind him too.
daylan b (198 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sun Jul-25-10 09:38 PM
Response to Reply #7
11. I hate the "what's your business" question
Edited on Sun Jul-25-10 09:40 PM by daylan b
Because we're essentially an entrepreneurial company. While the bulk of our revenue comes from web based sales primarily in animal supplies, that doesn't really describe the entire thing. As a small example, we were running 100 head of feeder cattle at one time.
Well buddy, if you broadcast that a) you own a business and b) you are cutting people's pay expect some questions.
Its funny they expect doctors and nurses to work for minimum wage and other businesses and corporations to pay huge salaries and make small profits yet, they want to make money in their business.