A Republican State Representative in New Hampshire has found a way to create a new front in the war on workers, proposing a bill that would repeal the state’s law requiring that workers get a 30-minute lunch break after five hours of labor.
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- Public Discussion (146)
All I got is wow, just wow!
- 35 votes
"I work during my 3 martini lunches with lobbyists, why can't they?"
- 37 votes
and this is why they want to get rid of Unions and collective bargaining.
- 48 votes
State Rep. J.R. Hoell (R), told a New Hampshire General Court committee this week that he believes the law is unnecessary because it is in employers’ interest to treat workers well.
His argument was seconded by state Rep. Kyle Jones (R),
And yet, Americans were incensed that at the Chinese Plant, FOXCOM that makes ipads and other computer pieces, treats their people badly.
Fortunately, New Hampshire legislators threw this idiotic proposal out.
WHO VOTED for these 2 nut cases?
- 43 votes
...employers will always treat employees well because human resources departments require it.
And just why the hell does he think HR does that?!?! Because it's the law, and keeping this law should be a priority. This guy is an idiot.
- 28 votes
Absolutlely wow! Bust the unions, take away minimum wage, now lunch? I want to see what someone looks and lives like that would actually vote for one of these idiots. Have republicans all gone and jumped off the deep end or what? VOTE
- 32 votes
WHO VOTED for these 2 nut cases?
That is exactly what I was thinking when I read the article.
- 28 votes
For SANITY'S sake, OBAMA 2012!! P L E A S E............................
- 31 votes
The beatings will continue until morale improves around here!
and this is why they want to get rid of Unions and collective bargaining.
And this (e.g. republicans and/or libertarians) is why unions and collective bargaining are now just as important as they ever were!
- 26 votes
New Hampshire has always been a wacky political state. Our former Governor Meldrim Thompson was on the Board of Directors of the John Birch Society. Does that tell ya something.
In 2010, besides the TeaNutter society who took over, we were also attacked by the Free Staters. These NUTBAGS are anarchists, who came here to take over with their stupidity. The lunatic ideas they have are against ALL government regulations. Read the following, and check out their website, unbelievable.
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The Free State Project (FSP) is a political movement, founded in 2001, to recruit at least 20,000 libertarian-leaning people to move to a single low-population state (New Hampshire, selected in 2003) in order to make the state a stronghold for libertarian ideas. The project seeks to overcome the historical ineffectiveness of limited-government activism by the small, diffuse population of activists across the 50 United States and around the world.
Those who participate in the Free State Project do so by signing a statement of intent declaring their impulsion to move to New Hampshire within five years of the drive reaching 20,000 participants, or other self-selected triggers. As of June 2011, more than 1000 FSP participants have become "early movers" to NH, in that they have made their move prior to the 20,000-participant trigger. Over 11,200 people have signed this statement of intent. In 2010, at least 12 "Free Staters" (project early movers) were elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
The Free State Project is a social movement generally based upon decentralized decision making. While there is a control group that performs various activities, most of the Free State Project's activities depend upon volunteers to promote the Free State Project in their own way, and no formal plan dictates to participants or movers what their actions should be once arriving in New Hampshire.
Ideology and political positions
The Free State Project itself does not take official political positions, support candidates in elections, or support or oppose legislation. The goal of the Free State Project is to move people to New Hampshire and not to directly affect any political process.
Several early movers have been elected to the New Hampshire legislature. In 2006 one of its participants, Joel Winters, was elected to the state legislature, running as a Democrat. He was re-elected in 2008 but defeated in 2010. In 2008, 4 Free Staters were elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives, including Winters, according to group participants. In 2010, at least 12 Free Staters were elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. In 2012, elected members wrote and passed House Bill 418 which requires state agencies to consider open source software and data formats when making aquisitions.
- 14 votes
Hopefully some of these anti worker legislators are talking themselves out of a job, but I think they probably get most of their votes from non-working old people, people who fantasize that they somehow worked harder than todays workers . As long as people keep voting along party lines instead of thinking through the effects of GOP policies on both they and their families, we will keep getting these mean spirited, rights stealing jackasses coming from the Republican party.
- 15 votes
And then they can pass laws such as the one in China forbidding suicide on the job.
- 9 votes
And then they can pass laws such as the one in China forbidding suicide on the job.
I was always kind of curious on how they enforce that one.
- 9 votes
Sure, get rid of mandatory lunch breaks, then vacations, then safety regulations, child labor laws, overtime, sick leave....just like their TOTALITARIAN communist buddies in China, Vietnam...REPUBLICAN "NIRVANA"!!!
- 11 votes
Joe and sms, they'll probably enforce that law by arresting the surviving family members like they do in N. Korea. In N. Korea, if you have a brother, uncle, nephew ect. that has been convicted of a crime, the government has stated that their family is probably a criminal themselves and "is" subject to arrest! I couldn't make this up, it's "real"!
- 11 votes
You simply CANNOT reason with insanity. Even the children in China which stock our stores get a lunch break. Sheesh.
- 9 votes
State Rep. J.R. Hoell (R), told a New Hampshire General Court committee this week that he believes the law is unnecessary because it is in employers’ interest to treat workers well.
Makes you wonder doesn't it? Why the need to repeal it then?
- 8 votes
I can only say that having worked in non union places most of my life. The employers could really care less about their employees. They basically do what the law requires and no more.
I've been forced to miss breaks and lunches because I'm management and have to serve our customers needs even during my break or lunch.
Fug the GOP/TP'ers and their freaking love of money and control.
VOTE THEM OUT this year !!!
- 13 votes
What has to happen is when ever lawmakers make these kind of idiotic proposals there should be immediate recall campaigns started against them.
- 6 votes
Umm, excuse me, but if HR depts will automatically treat their employees well, then why even bother to recind the law? I mean, if they'll do it anyway, what does it hurt? Just view it like one of those quaint, obsolete laws on how to hitch your horse on Main St.
- 6 votes
and this is why they want to get rid of Unions and collective bargaining.
Anyone who knows me from the forum I used to post on before I joined Newsvine knows that I once consistently opposed unions. The last five years have changed my mind. Republicans are working so hard to regress American back 100 years, with regard to so many aspects (working conditions, but also treatment of women and minorities, compassion and consideration for others, etc.) that many aspects of "liberal" infrastructure that I once thought had outlived its usefulness (like unions) are still very much necessary - critical to holding back our being driven back into the dark ages by right-wing reactionaries.
- 17 votes
So various republicans have proposed an end to lunch breaks, bring back child labor, eliminate the minimum wage so American workers can be outsourced jobs workers in China working 12 hour shifts for $17 a day with no benefits. Then there are the cut backs on assisting the elderly with heating oil cost through winter so many of them will have to decide on whether to stay warm or eat. Then the assistance to homeless women with infants has been cut back. Then at the state level, Republicans are laying off school, fire department and law enforcement personnel.
And all of this is to protect an over the top excessive military budget, tax cuts for millionaires/billionaires/multi billionaires, and tax loopholes so our largest and richest corporations can pay little or no income taxes.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2011/06/01/how-our-largest-corporations-made-170-billion-during-great-recession-and-paid-no-taxes/
How Our Largest Corporations Made $170 Billion During the Great Recession and Paid No Taxes
and if they did pay taxes like they did in the 1960's...
If Corporations And The Rich Paid Taxes At The Same Level As The 1960s, The Debt Would Disappear
- 10 votes
HR departments are just tools used by management to make us think they are taking care of us. At my place of work the HR department is in charge of making sure we comply with all laws, make sure we don't surpass what is required and break bad news to us so the management can save face. Its a joke.
- 5 votes
RI Mom
WHO VOTED for these 2 nut cases?
Probably the same sort of ilk who in my state keep voting for Kyl and McCain…old, low-information, white guys who cling to their god and guns as opposed to believing in their fellow man and who think women are nothing if not managed by a man.
- 5 votes
Just when you thought they couldn't get any "stupider." And a mother and son are supporting the craziness. Guess DNA proves it runs in families.
- 20 votes
Sure. Let's just abolish all labor laws while we're at it. After all, employers are allways fair, and if the employees don't like the labor conditions they can just find another job.
Right?
- 35 votes
After all, employers are allways fair, and if the employees don't like the labor conditions they can just find another job.
yeah, I've heard that.
Never mind that back in the 50s, 60, into the 70s, when the economy AND middle class were both growing together, no one was that damned naive (and employers still gave a damn). Maybe that's why the economy and middle class grew?
- 15 votes
We know just how nice employers are to their employees- look at all the companies sitting on piles of money they stashed away after laying off those employees they were so nice to. I'd like to see these idiots miss a few lunch hours.
- 23 votes
So what's the next step - slavery? I mean, that would save corporations a bundle - more to show on the bottom line for stockholders. I mean, we don't really work to make anything anymore, do we? The only goal nowadays is to show a profit at all cost. That's what is driving this type of legislation - greed.
- 24 votes
Sure. Let's just abolish all labor laws while we're at it. After all, employers are allways fair, and if the employees don't like the labor conditions they can just find another job.
Unless you owe money for rent in company housing or for food at the company store or any payments for your health care etc. You can't quit until you buy your freedom slave!
- 17 votes
Actually, euterpe, it might be less expensive to have employees than to have slaves- as long as you don't have to pay the employees minimum wages, give them any benefits, and can use them up and fire them for a new batch, you save the up front purchase price and housing and feeding you would have with slaves. If the R's are allowed to destroy labor laws, then employees are in for a very bad future, no slavery required.
- 4 votes
I have a plan for Newt's colonizing the moon. We kick some Republican/Teapublic butts sky high out of office.
- 4 votes
What's next, whips and chains?
- 20 votes
well now they want to stuff gays back in the closet, take away our contraceptives, all entitlement programs, and abortion. So they want everyone to go out and have lots of kids and let em starve so they can tell you what an animal you are. Slavery? Same people that have spent the last three years vowing to get that black man outta office. Says it all I say.....But dont you even think about taxing the rich guy! THATS not acceptable.
When do we get around to talking about creating jobs instead of controlling the masses.
- 21 votes
What's next, whips and chains?
Just like a poster I saw by a desk once at PAX River NAS:
"Floggings will continue until morale improves."
- 14 votes
I think we should also make it necessary to have permission to go to the bathroom. You know workers are just like kids and need strict attention.
"raise you hand workers, who needs a potty break?"
I'm sure all those food businesses that make money during lunch are going to love this stupid idea.
- 28 votes
"raise you hand workers, who needs a potty break?"
I had a job like this, very humbling experience. I didn't last long :o)
How in the sam hill does a THIRTY MINUTE lunch break eat into a company's profits??
- 24 votes
There is no need for potty breaks when employees can wear Depends!
- 28 votes
i don't think they should have to provide bathrooms either. I mean really, is that a corporate responsibility? They pay you to work, not poop.
- 25 votes
They pay you to work, not poop.
then allow me to deposit the dividend from last night's tuna casserole straight on the CEO's desk. I should be able to work right through it.
- 20 votes
oh I can't breathe!!! Sebbydad and Rorschach, you all are killing me hahahahahah!!! *snort*
- 12 votes
Walmart CEO Pay: More in an Hour Than Workers Get All Year?
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/walmart-ceo-pay-hour-workers-year/story?id=11067470#.TzVSyMUV3NU
This claim was made but the math was a little bit off. It is somewhere just under two hours. But the point that is being made is valid. Executive pay and bonuses are over the top excessive. The WalMart CEO is an easy choice for poster boy for the culture of greed. He gets over $35 million a year. WalMart workers are part time with no benefits. They are on public assistance for benefits type support. Then many if not most of their products are made in China, where it is typical to find workers working 12 hour shifts for $17 a day with no benefits and living in company dorms between shifts.
- 4 votes
This kind of thing is what happens when, with each succeeding generation the distance increases from the "good 'ol days". We've forgotten the lessons learned from the robber baron and Great Depression eras as well as WWII. Not to worry though, when the rioting and shooting begins, there will be a whole new generation of corrupt politicians and greedy "industrialists" who'll learn all over again that people can only be pushed so far...
- 24 votes
Perhaps this is why history is not being taught in schools, so control would be very easy. Even the candidates don't know where the 'Shot heard around the world' occured. We could learn alot from studing the Fall of Rome and the French Revolution that would be very relative to our present situation.
- 3 votes
You know if these Republican governors and legislatures would actually focus on the economy, their respective states might actually get better. I read an article - sorry, I don't have a cite - that the states with newly elected Republican governors are actually doing worse on average.
That said, buyer's remorse is in full swing in this country.
- 16 votes
I work in a Right to Work state and most of my fellow workers never take their federally mandated breaks as it is now. That is insanity when you considered people literally died in order to obtain such benefits for the average worker. If you are job-scared enough you will do about anything. I take my breaks same time everyday (few exceptions) and take my full hour every day for lunch. These breaks are critical to avoid stress buildup. Never mind that if you don't take them you are giving your employer your time for free. I have worked in the corporate world far too long to be doing any of that.
I read The Jungle at a very early age and it formed many of the views I hold today. I work with software, not meat, but the lessons are the same.
- 18 votes
Welcome to the days of the NEW ROBBER barons. Does anyone actually think YOU can succeed with the American dream under these guys?
- 22 votes
When you read the article, this is just one idiot legislator and even the other GOP legislators rolled their eyes on that one. Every state has one. We had someone here in California pass a law we had to bring recyclable bags to the grocery store - thankfully DOA and a source of some fun.
- 2 votes
Yeah, but somebody elected the idiot. What does that say about the electorate?
- 17 votes
Like I said every state has one.
New Hampshire's interesting because it's a very small state with a gigantic part-time legislative body. I might even vote for the guy myself just for entertainment value.
- 3 votes
I guess that's what ya get when ya depend on part-time labor.
- 4 votes
Well, with part time labor, seems nothing gets born. Ask any woman.
But in this case, think of the havoc wrought if they were full time. AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
- 5 votes
In Michigan we elected our village idiot Governor. This man is so FUBAR he put in place a law that replaces voter elected city officials with an appointed emergency manager. The emergency manager in Benton Harbor, MI is so stupid, he listed city assets for sale on EBay. As he put it in the EBay listing, "Eequiptment" for sale. You cannot make this stuff up!!!!
- 9 votes
Wow - governor's pretty high up to get an idiot.
You all must have really really hated Granholm.
Wow - governor's pretty high up to get an idiot.
Not when you consider that someone who thought that 999 was a sound economic plan was a leader the GOP Presidential polls for a while. I'm not gonna mention Bush. Oops....too late.
- 5 votes
That would be the one, YD... http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/04/18/968218/-Benton-Harbor,-MI;-The-Political-Story-of-the-Decade
- 3 votes
yellow dog benton harbor is a majority african american city with an african american mayor. the governor is proposing to kick the people out of the city so a luxury golf course can be built there. and jenifer granholm who has a show "the war room" on current tv was the governor who signed off on the project. now the new governor took over and got his emergency manager to fiscally demolish the city
http://www.rooflines.org/913/golf_course_wars_in_benton_harbor/
- 4 votes
I was outraged by the audacity of the state to @!$%# over poor people because their industry left, it sounds like something the peckerhead repubs would do in Texas where I live.
- 3 votes
I was outraged by the audacity of the state to @!$%# over poor people because their industry left, it sounds like something the peckerhead repubs would do in Texas where I live.
A lot of what these dictators are doing in these cities are privatizing city property and services for short term gains. It's really sad. Listing @!$%# on eBay in Benton Harbor, selling the water department in Pontiac to a firm that is facing a 26 count Federal indictment for Clean Water Act violations.
A little town called Sutton's Bay had a meeting about a threatened takeover of their school district. This is what our idiot gov. did to school funding. He decimated it.
Thankfully a local Indian tribe bailed out Sutton's Bay the shortfall in education funding that the @!$%# Governor cut.
This is the reality of Republican idiot tax cuts.......Thanks to the new Republican budget, 51% of all Michigan tax payer will pay MORE in personal income taxes in 2012 and beyond.
@!$%# you Rick Snyder, you are an @!$%# of the highest order. And @!$%# all the idiot GOP @!$%#s who want to cut lunch breaks, end child labor laws, legislate what happens in my vagina, and strip the middle class bare. @!$%# You.
End of rant!
- 5 votes
No rant. Forget the recall, how about impeachment? I'll furnish the rotten peaches.
I suppose that if we are going back in time like the Republicans, public floggings, a lynch mob, etc... are also options. ( ^ :
- 7 votes
Next, you'll have to eat your lunch while you're still standing on the assembly line working and if any bread crumbs are found in the product you get docked an hours pay for every crumb.
Bathroom breaks are allowed but your assembly line doesn't stop while you're on potty break, so all those parts that went past your station while you were taking a #2 - you will be be docked pay for incomplete product.
These teaholes are real IDIOTS!
- 12 votes
Women Say Plant Limits Restroom Use : Nabisco: Employees file complaints with EEOC alleging discrimination. Some say they wore diapers for protection.
January 08, 1995|FRED ALVAREZ | TIMES STAFF WRITERFederal officials have been asked to investigate the restriction of bathroom privileges for female employees of a Nabisco Foods plant in Oxnard, a practice so prohibitive that some women say they were forced to wear diapers on the job, The Times has learned.
Some assembly line workers at the 3rd Street factory say they have even suffered bladder infections because they have been forbidden from going to the bathroom when they need to.
Some of these elected officials need their heads examined before we let them propose laws that companies can exploit.
Looks like they want more of the same treatment for workers. Hey State Reps, do those Saltines taste a little too salty?
- 2 votes
Yes, yes, and no more bringing your lunch or leaving work to go buy lunch. No, from now on all lunches will have to be bought at the company store. Cheese sandwiches are 25$ each and you can add a soda and a bag of chips for an additional $15.
If you don't have enough, you can always borrow against next weeks wages.
Sound familiar?
Wake up y'all. We're on the bullet train to China.
- 21 votes
from now on all lunches will have to be bought at the company store
Don't encourage them, Brian. That change is still six months away!
- 11 votes
You forgot to mention that the workers must each bring food from home each day to the company store...then at noon they all go in an buy the food they brought from home.
Of course the assembly lines are still running while the workers are building their custom cheese, mayo and salami sammiches and they will be docked for all product not assembled while on lunch.
Welcome to the Fascist Tea Republic of Amerika!
- 9 votes
You forgot to mention that the workers must each bring food from home each day to the company store...then at noon they all go in an buy the food they brought from home.
Home?
don't you mean the company dorm?
- 9 votes
More of that good 'ol GOTP logic. Someone pls tell me again why we should make Obama a one-termer?
- 10 votes
Crooks, did you read the article? It's two GOTPers who want to end this law, not Obama.
You sound like you think their idea is a good one.
- 1 vote
I took Crooks comment as a sarcastic one. One where Crooks agrees it is a stupid idea as one must then work 8+ hours without a lunch break, thanks to the GOP.
- 4 votes
Thank you Rockwater! My comment was a way of saying "make Obama a one termer and you will be forced to give up lunch at work"...
This is the most ignorant idea I've heard of in many years!
What is their New Hampshire motto? Live Free or Die?
- 4 votes
Yeah, but the libertarians are going to change it to "NO LUNCH FOR YOU".
- 6 votes
Aside from the fact that labor history proves just the opposite, that many employers will provide only what they have to provide by law, even to the extent of risking workers' lives if it is profitable to do so, these fools should be asked why, if employers are so generous, is it necessary to waste time to repeal a law that employers will honor voluntarily. If it ain't broke why fix it?
- 17 votes
That would sure upset the teachers union in my state since they get paid to eat their lunch.
- 1 vote
Really?
I thought teachers were on salary.
Why not do us all a favor and stop making @!$%# up, K?
- 8 votes
1. What does that have to do with being allowed to have a lunch vs having to teach classes non-stop without being able to eat?
2. I have worked at a number of places on salary. None of which counted the time one spent at lunch, or on two 15 minute breaks (one mid morning, one mid afternoon) as time worked towards the hours required to earn one's salary. (BUT, overtime did not have to be paid as one WAS salaried [they were gracious enough to pay OT most of the time]).
- 1 vote
If they are paid to work 8 hours a day and spend one of those 8 hours eating lunch, they are getting paid to eat lunch. What makes you think you know more what the teachers contracts here say than I do who pays taxes in this community.
beign on salary means you are getting paid a set amount regardless of hours worked, and I don't know any teachers who work an 8 hour day. I'd wager many would gladly go to an hourly model, but I don't think anyone would want to pay that much overtime.
- 5 votes
You think so. No matter how many hours you actually work you get paid the same. Why would they even show up in that case. Even salaried employees are paid according to the number of hours they will spend on the job. If as you say, then management could at any time be able to add hours to the teachers working time. Do you think that would fly?
"BUT, overtime did not have to be paid as one WAS salaried"
How can you say a person is paid salary not by hours, and then claim they have overtime?
"teachers who work an 8 hour day. I'd wager many would gladly go to an hourly model, but I don't think anyone would want to pay that much overtime."
How many do you think would gladly do overtime if they were required to actually do it in the work place and not just claim they do at home at night? And account for what it is their teacher's aides actually do?
Really
Extreme
Predator,
Usually
Being
Loathed
In
Civilization,
Abhorred
Naturally
- 13 votes
It is as if the Republican party is in the throes of suicide. Absolutely fascinating to watch.
- 15 votes
Slavery is alive and well.
- 10 votes
That seems to be the mega plan for America, that American workers must compete with Chinese, Indian and third world country workers. In short, American sweat shops.
And what is the executive salaries and bonuses with the one and the same corporations?
Maybe they had the right idea for the French Revolution.
- 4 votes
he believes the law is unnecessary because it is in employers’ interest to treat workers well,
Well then, if it's really in their interest, they should have no problem with the law as is!
And if it's only a 30 minute UNPAID break, should it be called lunch HALF-hour? And what do they thinking empty stomachs will do for productivity when people have no energy?
It's just another example of the GOP showing America how much they truly despise the working man.
- 16 votes
Dang they are really pushing those old fashioned labor laws, kids, short lunches, no minimum wage, no workers rights, what else can they push for? Send the women and minorities back home so the white men can do all good work....let see what else...I'm sure we can can see it comin' if we put our minds to it.
Yep those guys are real thinkers./s
- 3 votes
I think you came across their job creation plan, put the little women back in 'her place' put kids to work so it will drive down wages, then make everything part-time so no benies and you have to have 2 PT jobs just to eat.
God help us all, Please study the candidates very carefully even if they are running for dog catcher. Many of these Teaparty candidates got their start at the very local level.
- 3 votes
Are Republicans like this kind born asses or do they practice at it their whole life. I'm willing to bet this jerk couldn't put in a real 8-12 hr. manual work day ever. And I've worked for companies that tried their best to stop people from taking their lunch break because it interrupted production even relieving oneself came under scrutiny and discouraged.
- 4 votes
I am sorry to say this but Republicans are the most ignorant people on the face of the Earth; especially the Tea Party crowd. Unbelievable!
- 5 votes
But Massa, my tooth... it be hurtin' real bad! Yous mean if'n I's goes and get it fixed I's gon' lose my job cuz the dennist only open durin' workin' hours?????? YES, I hired you to WORK! NOT to do anything else.
- 8 votes
The right to work for a living wage would be a fair response.
- 5 votes
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