12th January 2011, 11:22 AM
I can provide a bit of contrast from working on the west coast of the States. The starting wages are similar. Some companies offer a non taxable (unless this has changed in recent years) per diem on away projects. The per diem is on top of your wages and covers travel expenses, accommodation and food. On some projects, where the company did not provide accommodation, a few of us would maximise our per diem by camping (season dependent) or by sharing a motel room. Often the company provided transport on away projects. The per diem was sufficient to cover petrol if we chose to drive. Unlike working on the East coast, we were able to work year round. I can honestly say that working during winter in the desert is considerably harsh and mentally taxing. Biting icy winds and squalls can test and do affect one’s mental capacity and productivity.
Away projects were attractive for a few reasons 1) the per diem, 2) usually long hours which meant over time, and 3) 4 days on, three off.
As for unions, there are far too many reasons for the union’s success/demise in the US to go into here. One might want to become familiar with the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, the National Labour Relations Act (Wagner Act) 1935 to have an idea of the historical perception of unions and labour organising. For a perspective from an earlier period of American history check out Wikipedia “The Gilded Age” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age#Labor_unions
Anti Unionisation is rooted in America’s past. Right, wrong or indifferent it is a lingering perspective requiring an intense change of mindset on the right and the left side of our political spectrum. The way recent events in Tuscon are being covered and portrayed by the media, this shift seems highly unlikely.
Away projects were attractive for a few reasons 1) the per diem, 2) usually long hours which meant over time, and 3) 4 days on, three off.
As for unions, there are far too many reasons for the union’s success/demise in the US to go into here. One might want to become familiar with the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, the National Labour Relations Act (Wagner Act) 1935 to have an idea of the historical perception of unions and labour organising. For a perspective from an earlier period of American history check out Wikipedia “The Gilded Age” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilded_Age#Labor_unions
Anti Unionisation is rooted in America’s past. Right, wrong or indifferent it is a lingering perspective requiring an intense change of mindset on the right and the left side of our political spectrum. The way recent events in Tuscon are being covered and portrayed by the media, this shift seems highly unlikely.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.