You think You've Got Benefits!

[skiroule]

Posted outside my little piece of cubicle-land is a company benefits poster from 1956. The following are some of the items on the list. These are real - I couldn't make these up!

$100 Christmas Check - For employees hospitalized on Christmas Day
Christmas Present - For all employees
Interest Free Loans - $50.00 in case of emergency
Pallbearers - Furnished for fellow employees without loss of pay
Pension Plan - $1.50 per month pension for each year of service
Good Parking Lot - Tire repair and starting service plus car wash
10% Night Differential - 23 cents per hour for machinists
No Piece Work - Pleasant supervision
Flowers - When hospitalized or in case of death
Hospitalization - $12.00 per day or $25.00 deductible plan

and the best is: Time Off for Opening of Hunting and Fishing seasons

There's much, much more on the list but just these few items provide an idea of how things were not too long ago. These seem unbelievable to us now but at the time they were considered things that would really attract workers.

 

[windingtrailgal]

interesting, ski...thanks for the trip back in time.

 

[hemi_newman]

i love the machinest one...i would know as being one..we are some of the lowest paid trade in America...

 

[skiroule]

i love the machinest one...i would know as being one..we are some of the lowest paid trade in America...

Somehow that just seems wrong. I'm in awe at the work that the machinists at my place do. They're often milling stuff that costs in excess of seven figures and has ridiculous tolerances. These are usually one of a kind items. There is no room for error and they do it right every time.

Sadly, all of the big milling machines (8 meters, etc.) are all being moved to Kentucky so some of these guys will be out of work. I can't say for sure why but I have my suspicions.

In case you're keeping score, the 20% shift differential means they were making $2.30 an hour - base. You're probably right about that being low for the trade, even then.

 

[Stack]

That's pretty cool to see, I definitly think we are at a point where good benefits take a huge precedent in candidates minds. Benefits rule right now, more than general wages.

Stack

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

That's pretty cool to see, I definitly think we are at a point where good benefits take a huge precedent in candidates minds. Benefits rule right now, more than general wages.

Stack

exactly. I'm looking at closing my business and going to benefits.

 

[indy_500]

All employees at Fleet Farm get a X-mas present. I chose a fire-proof safe from a big long list. It was the most expensive item, and figured, well, I'll need one someday, and I'd hate to have to spend my own money on it!

 

[skiroule]

All employees at Fleet Farm get a X-mas present. I chose a fire-proof safe from a big long list. It was the most expensive item, and figured, well, I'll need one someday, and I'd hate to have to spend my own money on it!

Nice to see that some traditions live on. Up until a few years ago, we always got a turkey. Now we get a gift certificate. It's only a few dollars but it's funny how it still feels good to get something.

The safe is a good call but between sledding and the truck, not sure how much will end up in the safe

 

[Stack]

exactly. I'm looking at closing my business and going to benefits.

Haha, sweet!