Yesterday was the start of "Employee Appreciation Week" at the manufacturing plant where I work. It happens every year during the week of the fourth of July. That makes me wonder......is it really "Employee Appreciation Week" or is it just a way to celebrate the fourth? The week of appreciation begins like this:
Monday: American flags, fourth of July streamers and other decorations are hung all over the breakroom. Red, white and blue balloons are tied to sign on the lawn announcing that it is "Employee Appreciation Week". For our treat, we are given a red, white and blue popsicle.
Tuesday: It's barbeque day. They going to barbeque some sandwiches, polish sausages, make some mashed potatoes. bake some beans and had out chips and sodas.
Wednesday: Is a repeat of Monday. Popsicles. This is to ensure that the shifts that were off Monday and Monday night get theirs.
Thursday: Repeat of Tuesday. This is also to make sure that the shifts that were off Tuesday and Tuesday night get their dinner plates.
Friday: They're going to cap the week off with a slice of cake.
I ask the question " Is it really "Employee Appreciation Week" or is it just a way to celebrate the fourth? " because it doesn't seem to me that it is. We don't need them to feed us. We have food at home. But since they want to feed us, why not give us some real food?
We work hard in incredibly hot plant for 12 hours everyday.
We deserve more than a bbq sandwich, chips and sodas. If it wasn't for the workers on the floor nothing would get done. They would not be making the money they are making now. The supervisors, managers, plant managers, people in the front office can't do what we do. Yet they are the ones who get the bonuses at the end of the year. What do we get? A bbq sandwich.
The question was asked of the plant manager yesterday. "Why don't y'all give your employees a half a pint of ice cream?" He responded " Y'all don't appreciate nothing." Hold on. We do appreciate what they do. But they need to recognize that we are ones getting it done. They get to sit in airconditioned offices and do nothing but think about how big their bonus checks will be. And they know that they can't do what we do. I have seen them try to do what we do and fail.
We're not asking for money. Although a raise would be good. We're just saying. If you're going to go the cheap route and give us food, then atleast give everyone a half pint of ice cream or a coupon for a half gallon. Something to make us feel like you really do "Appreciate" us.
