HP reports quarter profits. This is something that we read from time to time in the papers and on the web, but at what cost? When HP merged with Compaq, most Compaq employees were laid off, and others chose retirement. As the years have gone by, things have gotten worse. Just like other manufacturing companies, a vast majority of HP's employees are temporary, contract employees. And you will be amazed to find out that the agencies pay more than the HP permanent employees. Some permanent employees make about $ 10 per hour, stating that they started off at $6, about 5 years ago. Contractors do most of the work because permanent employees can get away with not working. The supervisors are so prejudiced that they go by word of mouth, never trying to find out the truth behind accusations or insinuations. Most of the co-ordinators at this Houston plant have only a high school diploma, and have no leadership abilities, some can hardly speak English. The hiring process, as every one here knows, is based on how well you know your supervisor, which may include being friendly with him outside of the work area. The most qualified person never gets the job. Not to forget the firing process. You can be fired for anything, say if someone who is extra friendly with the supervisor says something against you then you do not stand a chance because your side of the story will never be heard: you will be long gone.
And the work pressure when they need to get the orders out. Almost begging people to work overtime and a supervisor even threatening to fire his employees because they would not dare be there over the weekend after having worked all week. The worst end of the deal is that now all the temporary employees are scheduled to get a $2 paycut. It doesn't seem like much but it adds up, trust me.
HP, we know that profits are important to you, but remember that PEOPLE work for you, and they deserve to be treated right. People who are trying to earn a living, trying to reach for their dreams (not everyone wants to work in your warehouse forever, I surely don't). You need to take a step back and ask yourself why all these hardworking people are leaving? Young workers who have decided to go back to school, and YES, EVEN YOUR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES ARE QUITTING. And all those people that you lured to come from California, well, I wouldn't be surprised if they all went back.
Remember, everytime you climb a ladder you have to come back down. So, what is the cost of earning HP profits?
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