A struggle to find work

In comment to the letters regarding the pay scales in our area, I believe the one printed on Dec. 10 ["Pay isn’t so swell in the private sector"] is quite accurate. The letter on Jan. 6 ["Success isn’t a result of luck"] concerning choices and education states some fine points, however, they seem somewhat irrelevant in many cases.

I quote the statement, "We pay based upon what similar companies to ours pay." I have heard this "manure line" a countless number of times. Pay should be based upon the affordability of goods and services in an area. Perhaps this is our reason for struggle. A lot of our prices are at premium levels and the pay only a dollar or two above minimum wage. Possibly many of these "similar" jobs can be found elsewhere with higher pay.

With this situation, how could anyone be content? I would say it’s not only fear of raising questions about employer’s lack of concern, but a great deal of ignorance to boot.

Once, I elected to use an employment service to find work and was given some forms to fill out and watched a video concerning my rights in the workplace. If my memory is correct, not once did I notice a segment on approaching your employer for a pay raise. These videos took about 45 minutes to view, where as my interview lasted all of five minutes, whereby I was told there wasn’t very much they could help me with.

Many in this area looking for work are at the mercy of such agencies. What happened to the "old school" method of going door by door when applying for work?

As for education, many here are not able to go on to college for the price of tuition is not even within reach. Sure, ask the government to pay it; see what answer you’ll get. Many of us are willing to work hard and better our lives if given the opportunity, but in many instances that opportunity doesn’t exist, and we’re forced to take jobs we are not qualified for or turned away completely. This is wrong and needs to change, or we’ll be an area of just golf courses and retirement homes.

Arthur Boontje
Bristol, Tenn.