Nickel and Dime

1. Housing costs pose the greatest obstacle for low-wage workers. Why does our society seem to resist rectifying this situation? Do you believe that there are realistic solutions to the lack of affordable housing?

There is not enough affordable housing available for low income families. Just think of all of the places that were full in the book, forcing workers into less affordable housing. Plus, the prices were probably driven up by the sheer lack of housing available. High demand and low supply nearly always equal higher prices, though not necessarily wages. I think that the main reason that our society resists rectifying this problem is because there needs to be more affordable housing created. Yet, every time the idea of turning a building into affordable housing, building affordable housing, or zoning to allow trailers comes up, middle class citizens get in an uproar. Nobody wants it “in their back yard.” Sometimes, the unsightliness is an issue. Sometimes citizens worry about the value of their home going down. Both of these reasons can be understood, but they seem self-centered when you think of a mother and a child living in a car. Other times people site worry over crime rates.

To address the concern for crime rates, I tried doing some research. It didn’t go very well. Some articles were radical, claiming that corporations kill more people with pollution and such each year than murderers do. While I’ll believe that, it didn’t settle anything. Others suggested that while many people commit crimes, the poor are more likely to be caught and punished. Another article suggested that crime rates are higher among the poor. I didn’t find anything conclusive. I know that my mom worked at Wal-Mart. I also know that she has clean background checks and teaches first grade.

I think that there are realistic solutions. More housing could be constructed, or existing buildings could be renovated. Just think about all of the old abandoned schools standing empty! However, it is either going to take middle class citizens putting the impoverished first or people in power who are not afraid of them. It is also going to take some money for start up from people willing to accept lower rents. Is it possible? Yes. Will it happen? I don’t know. Humans have a strong sense of self-preservation that all too often turns into selfishness.

2. How does managers' scrutiny -- "time theft" crackdowns and drug testing -- affect workers' morale? How can American companies make the workplace environment safe and efficient without treating employees like suspected criminals?

The scrutiny has to negatively affect morale. The managers are saying “we don’t trust you.” I am surprised that more problems do not arise out of the scrutiny. After all, if they are not trusted anyway, why not walk out with something that is not yours? Why not take an extra break without punching out? What do you have to lose? You don’t have credibility, you don’t have respect, and you’re practically a criminal already. You’re just waiting to get caught.

When I was in school I had a certain job in a department somewhere. In our department, we were treated quite well. We could have something to drink or a snack if we weren’t busy. We could have our cell phones. We were trusted to do our work. As a result, we tried hard. We were happy with our jobs and with everyone above us, which was everyone for this position. In another department, employees weren’t even allowed to have water. They had all sorts of rules about who could do what. It was ridiculous. They also went through the employees, and the ones that stayed complained.

I’m not sure how to make the workplace safe and efficient without treating employees like suspected criminals. I know that every time drug testing teachers comes up, I get furious. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not on anything, I just don’t like being singled out in a group. I feel like all teachers are being accused of being on drugs and therefore putting children in jeopardy. I told my mom, if they test us because of the kids, they need to test every orthodontist, pediatrician, baseball coach, and ballet teacher. I figure that the employees in the book feel the same finger being pointed at them. They aren’t making enough money, so they must be on drugs. Maybe managers should try to have better relationships with