Outsourcing at irrational scale to serve greedy or desperate employers and investors -- emptying local employment, middle class hardest hit

It has been a rough ride for middle class Australians in the last couple of years.  I'm not even talking about ever rising prices of electricity, food, housing, transport, medical, insurance and other basic necessities. It is more challenging to hold a job with decent income to support your family for those with more responsibilities than self sustenance.

No longer does a good education and specialized skill guarantee you job security till pass middle age.

Starting with manufacturing, we thought that higher value added jobs could be retained locally. Not any more. IT (information technology), accounting services, and now legal services can be outsourced on a massive scale. Employers have no qualms about taking the sledge hammer to export jobs, with little consideration to coordination, sensitivity of information and understanding of local environment.

Labour intensive  -- Low cost component -- Assembly / Semi-skilled processes -- Design -- Innovation

Every industry and sector has no qualms and almost ridiculously competing to outsource each other -  textile/garment, light industry, banks, construction, telco, airlines, financial services, etc.  Eventually, when labour of developing nations become more highly educated, skilled and creative, which they will catch up with us sooner than later, even designing and innovative jobs can be shipped overseas.  Only few food and personal services and care could not be outsourced.

Just because everyone is doing it does not make it alright.

Despite the political soundbites in favour of protecting local jobs, there is little the federal or state government could do to interfere with private business decisions.

http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/prime-minister-julia-gillard-stop-outsourcing-australian-jobs-2

Hypocritically, even local governments contemplate outsourcing jobs.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/it-pro/government-it/councils-job-outsourcing-plans-breach-eba-union-20130107-2ccy0.html

On the surface, it makes good economic sense, from the employers' point of view. Capitalist economic theories teach us to the benefits of division of labour and comparative advantage. It's good for business by lowering to cost, doing what we are best at, and maximisig profits. Welcome to the real world of globalisation and competition. It does not take into consideration social stability and compromise quality of services.

No matter how hard you have worked, giving up your health and best part of your life and time, and no matter how good you may be at your job, and contributed to your company's growth and profits, employers can be ruthless and have skilled efficient workers who do not fit into their short term purely cost (not even profit) driven gameplan to cut jobs. The air of distrust and low morale pervades many workplaces of today. It is no wonder more people are falling sick, especially work anxiety.

If jobs can be neatly compartmentalized, could be performed efficiently and cheaply by skilled workers in India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam. We have nothing against individual workers overseas as they too need to make a living and probably work under less enviable terms and conditions.

The real culprits who should be made to answer the questions are the heartless creatures who decide on making every opportunity to outsource, regardless of its suitability. Mindless restructuring and outsourcing has created a vacuum. A small percentage of former staff laid off by companies have been re-employed as contract staff at higher salaries to fill the gaps that foreign labour are unable to accomplish. There you have a dumb decision immediately exposed. There will come a time, and it should be sooner, that senior management could be outsourced too, for making silly mistakes.

Adjustments are invariably difficult and take a long time to achieve positive results, if they in fact do so.  Our education reforms have met with funding shortage and strong resistance from educationists, parents and politicians. We would be hard pressed to develop relevant skills to keep jobs locally.

Depreciation of the unrealistically high Aussie dollar is inevitable. Australian goods and services have become uncompetitive. Life has been good to us in the recent past thanks to the mining boom. Australian travellers have been able to stretch the value of their dollar and enjoy during good times.

However, with the slowdown in exports, rising unemployment, high living costs and mortgage (despite rate decrease) becomes more painful.

To be employed and have a gainful employment for a large part of our lives is a basic human right. It is useless to talk about esoteric theories and ideals when we can't even carry on with decency and dignity.

This is going to be a cold, harsh and long winter.

Calm Returns to Colourful Harris Park - Billu, Spice Grocer, Sweeland, ...

It has been more than three years since the attacks on Indian students returning from part-time shift work made headlines. Both the community leaders and police downplayed racism and denied that was the reason behind the violence. Apparently, the more established Middle Eastern delinquents found easy targets among the helpless new arrivals. Nonetheless, crime does not preclude the presence of intolerance, discrimination and sadistic elements to exclude those who are different. Ironically, this sort of bullying behaviour has been accepted by a significant portion of the population whatever their origins and denial has been the convenient recourse.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/harris-park-violence-going-on-for-years-20090610-c2z0.html

Others before had checked out Harris Park and confirmed that calm has returned. In fact the place seemed rather deserted, when a group of us turned up on a weekend. Indian friends have recommended Billu's. It's probably one of the better restaurants in this "Indian enclave"?

Chicken and lamb dishes are all great hot favourites by the locals' standards. An entree for newbies to this area and their cuisine. Nan is a  tad softer and less crispy than what we are used to. Since I have very good dal and aloo recipes, we decided to give these a miss - quite pricey considering the ease at which you could whip up such vegetarian dishes. There is even daily set lunch for those who wish to sample a bit of most things. It is served on a not-so-nice metal dish but who cares because that is  is a good introduction to unfamiliar dishes, and you won't end up ordering too much of what you may not like. 


Service at Billu's was efficient and pleasant. The hygiene standard is impressive. The bathrooms are clean too. Considering they do massive catering for big family events and weddings, a high standard is expected. 


Was that a calm before the storm? Indeed, no sooner after we had our fill of a spicy sumptuous lunch, a heavy downpour washed our worries away. 


North Indian sweets even by admission of their own people, are overly sweet. So we decided to dash for the Middle Eastern / Mediterranean /or specifically Lebanese sweets. The much touted Sweetland was just at the strategic corner, an excuse to wander while sheltering from the rains. Despite rave reviews, I beg to differ, well, as far as the cakes are concerned. The famous black and white forest cakes are not as good as some say. The cake base lacks substance, probably made from flour mixes with enhancers added. 


As the saying goes, you must judge their skills by their speciality. The Middle Eastern offerings are better but not the best available in Sydney metro area. With so many types and quantity made each day, you kind of wonder how quickly the turnover would be to ensure freshness. In this respect, no one could beat the French confectioners.  
  
http://theadventuresofmisspiggy.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/sweet-land-harris-park.html

http://gastronomousanonymous.com/2011/07/03/billus-and-sweetland-patisserie-harris-park/

We never got to find out who the Bollywood actor whose photos were put up outside most grocery store and restaurant. But the colours and architecture of this old estate a stone's throw from the busy Parramatta CBD can be quite charming. 

There are only two main streets Wigram and Marion. When there's instability strikes, the whole "suburb" and the vicinity are disrupted.  Hopefully, these mindless acts will not happen ever again. 

Privatisation of Power, and now Bus - Sell Out evident as O'Farrell shows true colours

The NSW government will be embolden to relinquish more responsibilities in public services in favour of cash bounty from sale of power and transport enterprises to private companies. In simple economic terms, the forces of free market will determine the price citizens have to pay, which is likely to be higher, and a strain on the average citizen. 


http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/nsw-govt-wont-rule-out-bus-services-sale-20120603-1zpkt.html

http://www.news.com.au/business/breaking-news/nsw-reaches-electricity-privatisation-deal/story-e6frfkur-1225970724245

Additionally, the NSW government has caved in to the gun lobby, disregarding the safety of its human and animals population. Not even the Federal government has the power to shoot down the absurd proposal for freer gun laws. 


http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/feds-cannot-reject-nsw-recreational-shooting-plan-20120602-1zohd.html


Complaints have fallen to deaf ears because the voices of the silent majority do not carry much weight compared to the business lobbies.  


Those who have forsaken the Labour Party, we hope you are not shocked, unless you have something to gain from Liberal policies. Well, majority of us have nothing to gain. It is still early days for a class struggle requires much more hardship to take off. 

Banks lay off jobs unhelpful - more fraud, compromised service,

Rarely do we see long queues forming at tellers of banks at the beginning of the year. The more likely explanation is that staff are still on holidays as the move by financial institutions mulling axeing staff would presumably not affect frontline staff, at least for one of the big five ANZ. The only good thing that will emerge is retained staff will be less idle and strive to improve productivity and services to protect their jobs. However, it could also mean that many will be overworked and deliver less than impeccable services than before.

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/283306/20120118/anz-bank-frontline-staff-spared-job-cuts.htm

A serious concern is that bank fraud would not be easily and quickly addressed with inadequate staff scrutiny of irregularities in transactions. Not surprisingly, ANZ staff  have warned of possible increase in fraud activities especially for online banking.

http://sale.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/general/anz-staff-warn-of-increase-in-fraud/2425255.aspx

This certainly does not seem like a move to keep banking business afloat. Far from struggling, banks have been and are still doing very well in the current gloomy economic climate as financial services are most essential  whether in boom or doom times. Banks are in the business for profits and want to ensure that the bottomline is maintained and the whopping profits don't fall too much to pay its executives and shareholders.

Money is never enough even for the rich? Some wealthy are ironically insecure despite having financial resources to secure a good life. Existential insecurity is not unique to any one social status, operating environment or culture.  Materially rich but spiritually empty? This is a huge topic that deserves dedicating a whole chapter or article discussing it in depth.

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~parkx032/XP267.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/30/michael-white-political-briefing-class-war

http://china.org.cn/english/Life/175341.htm

What about the middle class saddled with mortgages and young school going children? Worse off are middle aged who have lost their jobs through retrenchment

To be sure (but not reassured) this is a global phenomenon. Even in growing developing countries, financial institutions are cutting staff big time.

http://www.bankingonly.com/detail-news.php?news_id=1138

Cheap imports - the beauty of free world trade

Good quality products may not always be bought at a high price. Gone were the days when a box of 12 coloured pencils cost $5 - $10. Open international trade and diversity of suppliers have benefitted Australians. These days, school children (and their parents) are spoilt for choices when making purchases.

No longer do we have to wait for overseas trips to stock up on certain types of essential stationery. Clear plastic letter files that open on 2 sides and document wallets with button are available in Big W (only some items are available at Woolies). This is the best buy in town - a couple of dollars for a pack.

Not all paper are the same including some that claim to be "premium quality". At the minium, you should get the 800 gsm white paper so as not to jam your printer. Good quality paper are not usually sold at chain stores that cater to the mass market and may not have QC checks. It may be worthwhile checking out printers and office suppliers close to commercial-industrial estates. They are only a little dearer but well worth it for the quality.

The lowest rate for photocopying is at Officeworks, much cheaper than private setups, universities and public libraries. Even though you may have chosen to use the self service machines, helpful staff are always close by to offer advice if you encounter any technical difficulties. They also cater to customers who require more sophisticated printing.

- c g

Coverup package meal deal - a violation of Trade Practices Act?

Australia has some of the strictest consumer protection legislation in the world, too strict, some businesses have complained. Yet, there are some traders who are able to get up and get away. For small amounts and unclear areas, customers are generally quite forgiving, gracious and generous. They either do not bother to take up the issue, lack the heart and time to complain or kick up a fuss at the scene.


I would like to share one incident which is not a clear cut case of contravention but nevertheless caused unease.

A lunch special meal on the board stand placed outside a reputable restaurant includes two course meal with any free drink (wine, beer or soft drink). This was the first time we patronised this particular outlet (they have a main branch in the city which we have been).

When it came to ordering, we were preoccupied with ordering the two dishes for the two course meal. The wait staff / manager asked if we wanted to order a drink. Not remembering that a drink was inclusive of the meal special, we requested for water for all since there were minor in the group. Only a few seconds later when those sitting at the window took another glance at the board outside that we were reminded of the package deal. Though not all of us wanted drinks other than water, it would only be proper that customers should be reminded that they are entitled to more expensive drinks (from the restaurants' perspective).

When the wait staff returned (before we were served any drinks) and enquiries were made to clarify the offer, she quickly said "that's why I asked if you wanted to order drinks." Was that a

coverup statement sufficient to absolve themselves?

It would have helped if they merely mentioned that the drinks were inclusive of the lunch special meal. There would not have been any need for guessing, misgivings and suspicion of dishonest practice.

The Trade Practices Act focuses on fulfiling promises of bait advertisements. We have to interpret how the context fits in with the statute.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=304501&nodeId=04bc9aa47950c6358a6e573a1537af3d&fn=Advertising%20&%20selling_A4%20flyer_Jan07.pdf

Normally business managers and staff would size up and gauge the attitude of the customer to attempt a gloss over. But looks can be deceptive and they may be taking a chance if someone is bent on seeking justice from the small claims tribunal even when small amounts are involved.