Letter to the Editor
Category: Another Viewpoint || By
A Dish Network employee writes:
As an employee of Dish Network in McKeesport, I thought I'd shed some light on the recent announcement [that the site will] close.
First, they say the building is too large. Could be true. They were trying to get someone in there all last year to sublet but, no takers. Probably because McKeesport is not such a friendly city. There are shootings and stabbings daily. Or maybe it's the constant inconvenience of the train that rolls by anytime you're coming or going.
Then my favorite consistent Dish Network [excuse], everyone who applied was a drug addict. Puh-leeaase!
They were hiring people in droves. The people do not want to stay. Why? It is an awful place to work.
The employees that have lasted all (and I mean ALL) have FMLA that allow them to come in late (train), leave early (can't handle it anymore), or simply call off (getting carpets cleaned), while the rest of us schmucks are held to absurd standards usually resulting in termination.
Grandma died? Too bad, you have no time off left, or the day is 'closed.' Yes, they close calendar days so you cannot request them off even if you do have time.
In conclusion, the real reason I believe they have decided to close is the numerous lawsuits. It seems the company is in a pickle with a wide range of opponents. TiVo, attorney generals, do not call list.
Drug addicts? No. Corporate greed? That's a better fit.
--- Name withheld upon request
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Your Comments are Welcome!
I’ve worked at a similar style place in the past. Not until I befriended my manager did I realize how terribly everyone else was treated, and it was (comparatively) shameful the leeway I was given once I was one of the Chosen Ones.
No more “mandatory” 4-hour overtime shifts on Sunday morning. No more “pep talks” where we were told to increase production to literally impossible levels, or else someone would lose their job (how they considered firing someone conducive to increased production, I’ll never know). Finally “allowed” more than the usual tenth-percent yearly raise. I was even allowed to take off a couple days when the weather was nice, and it didn’t count against my vacation time.
Cube farms, phone banks, and similar workplaces shouldn’t be considered “more gainful” employment just because you get to work in a building with a computer, and not flipping burgers.
Ech. Just gave myself shivers thinking about it.
John - November 12, 2009
In my professional life the far more successful organizations I’ve worked for have been the ones where employees were seen as stakeholders, ideas were welcome, and the work environment was respectful. As a manager of people I’ve always taken this approach primarily. But at times, you have to bring the hammer down. It’s just the nature of the beast that sometimes you have to be demanding.
I will agree with John that phone banks do not equal high tech. Not sure what the recipe is for future success in the Mon Valley, but I’d wager it’s not manufacturing in any significant way like the past.
Dan - November 13, 2009
Perhaps the peoples building would be a better fit. Plenty of covered parking in the nearby garage…
Thee dude - November 16, 2009
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