Photo by Charry Jin on Scopio
I read an article today about the candle factory in Kentucky that was hit with by a strong tornado in the system that moved through a few days ago.
Employees who heard the earlier warning to seek out safe shelter and approached supervisors were “allegedly” told that they could lose their jobs if they left work early.
The plant was flattened by a tornado. At least eight employees died. Below is the response that flowed out of me when I read that article. It’s just a thought … but really … what if we just changed the whole damn thing? What amazing things could happen in our communities, in our State, in this country and around the world if we, as consumers, just quit buying from companies that want to pay the cheapest rates, cut corners, hurt the environment and don’t care about their employees? What if, instead, we started iNSISTING on paying MORE for things? Buying from companies that charge prices that cover things like employee benefits, fair wages, fair trade, social justice and environmental safeguards? What if??? What could our world look like in 10 years?
I don’t know about you, but I’d like to find out!
Tragic. There is no way to know if the 8 who died would have left early and lived if they hadn't felt they had to choose between safety and keeping their job. But that right there is the point. People shouldn't have to choose. Employers should CARE about the people working for them.
But don't blame the employer.
Blame the American consumer.
How many fingers can I point back at myself?
We have demanded that things be as cheap as possible when we want to buy them from the store.
So, what does that mean exactly?
Labor prices have to be kept down. Of course.
The prices for raw materials ... those should be pushed down to the bare minimum.
We can't cut the taxes.
But stores can reduce employee benefits to cut down on their overhead.
Sure.
Cheap goods at the store.
That's worth people's lives, right?
That's worth degrading the environment through cost-cutting measures in production, isn't it?
That's worth keeping people employed at poverty levels? I mean, if they wanted to make money, they should just get better jobs.
- Then again-
What if instead of $1.99 for a scented candle. You were willing to pay $4.99. What if that $3.00 difference meant that farmers and producers were paid a fair wage for their raw materials? And employees were valued enough by their employers that if their lives were in danger they could leave work a little early? What if it meant that people who work at the retail store where you buy the candle could receive health benefits? What if it also meant that the men and women who drive the trucks transporting those goods could be paid by the hour instead of the load, meaning that maybe they wouldn't feel pressured to drive when they're tired or drive faster than they know is safe?
What if we reconsider the WHOLE damn system??? What if we start placing value on things that have true meaning instead of just aiming for the cheapest crap possible?
I don't know.... just a thought.
Just a thought from someone who has worked those kinds of jobs for those kinds of employers. Just a thought from someone who has devoted years of her life to the study of economics and politics and administrative systems. Just a thought from someone who once sought out the cheap, but now looks for what's valuable.
Just a thought on this beautiful Tuesday afternoon. Just a thought from someone who is still alive. Just a thought from someone who can still change. Just a thought from someone who wants to change the world.
Just a thought … but what, dear reader, what if it was so much more than simply a thought?