This Recession Sucks!
April 24th, 2009
Well, yeah—you already knew that!
People are losing their jobs. Good people, hard-working people, and very talented people. Everyone is feeling the pain. (Except perhaps, certain recipients on Wall St.) Everyone is cutting back their spending, either because there’s less to spend or a reluctance to spend—the end result is the same.
And I’m sorry I can’t buy enough to keep those I love in business. Really sorry.
Because, apparently—even at grocery stores—revenues are down. Cuts must be made. Just this morning, the regional manager of my local grocer returned my (urgent!) call from last evening. I was very upset that the store’s wine steward had been laid off. Laid off! The best steward this store has had in its 12 years! The person who makes the wine department fun! The one who introduces new vintners, good value, yummy tastes—who knows what I like! My buddy, my friend…The Vino Queeno!
Shock.
Hours are being cut, and her predecessor who is semi-retired will be covering those limited hours. Is he a better purveyor of wine?
No.
Then why the Vino Queeno?
Two words: UNION and SENIORITY.
Seniority trumps quality when the UNION is involved. That’s it. Sucks, huh?
The regional manager’s hands are tied. He absolutely hates to let people go—especially the gems. But he has no other option.
If I could buy enough wine from this store to make a difference, I would. All I can do is shop elsewhere.
I’m so sorry, Roberta.