Outsourcing_Jobs

Outsourcing Jobs from America: A Large Cause of Discontent They are seen everyday, long lines of men and women standing in the unemployment lines. These same long lines are lining the walls at the welfare offices. What is causing this epidemic in our country' Our nation’s corporations are continuously making a negative impact on American families by outsourcing its jobs to countries overseas. What is outsourcing' Outsourcing occurs when a company purchases labor or parts from a source outside the company rather than using the company’s staff or plant (Encarta World English Dictionary, 2006). This custom is taking place more and more every year in the United States work force. Corporations in America are seeking to manufacture a product at a cheaper cost. Some reasons that a company might outsource to a foreign country are cheaper labor cost and geographical efficiency. The U.S. economy is being risked when workers lose their jobs. The economy can be affected by tax raises, unemployment, and many other factors. A worker might question whether or not his job is in danger. About two-thirds, or 66 percent, of the 802 adult U.S. investors polled this month for the UBS/Gallup Index of Investor Optimism survey said they think offshore outsourcing is "bad for the economy." About one quarter, or 23 percent, said they were very or somewhat worried that they or someone in their household might lose a job because of it (Bjorhus, 2004). At one time only certain types of jobs were being outsourced to foreign countries. Things have changed. All types of jobs can be outsourced in our computer oriented world. Once thought to affect only industrial sectors, outsourcing now threatens computer engineers, IT specialists, call-center workers, paralegals, technical writers, accountants, tax professionals and public service workers. Put simply, if your job uses a phone, a computer or a welding torch, outsourcing policies may hurt you. If you can telecommute, your job can likely be outsourced (Gussert, 2006, p31). When a position is taken from our work force, not only does a family lose an income. They lose benefits as well. These benefits include medical, retirement, and so forth (Marcus, 1996, p28). Once a family loses their income and benefits, it is difficult for them to get back on their feet. The now unemployed worker must start the application process from scratch. This includes finding a comparable position at another company, updating a resume, interviewing, and so on. This is a lengthy process that has no guarantee of a good outcome. With many jobs being outsourced, future employees will find themselves fighting harder and having to be more knowledgeable in order to qualify for the few remaining positions. If a person is unable to find a good job, they might be forced to seek assistance from their state welfare. This aid comes in all forms, food stamps, financial relief, etc. When the need for assistance rises, the cost for this aid increases as well. Who pays for this support' The tax payers do. This consequently means that the taxes will escalate as well. Once the price of taxes goes up, every person will be affected. The cost of every object will rise, from the price of a candy bar to the price on a brand new home. How will America be able to afford the lifestyles that they are accustomed to' This will lead to a large amount of unhappiness across the nation. Businesses will also feel the effects. Consumers will limit the quantity of their purchases in order to not go over their budgets. Families will still have to pay for gasoline and groceries, as well as housing payments and utilities. All other expenditures are excess and can be eliminated if needed. If these products are eliminated, then the businesses that started the process will be feeling the discomfort that they directly are causing. If a company that chooses to outsource does well financially, the price of their product will be effected. A customer will notice this benefit. However, the customer will also take notice that the product is not made in America. For most Americans, the products that are made in America are purchased at a greater rate than those products that are produced overseas. Americans notice when a company treats its employees badly. The media plays a big role in helping to get the story out. If there is a big layoff in your town, it will probably make the news. If the company is a bigger corporation that is nationally known, you may see it on nation-wide news broadcasts such as Good Morning America on ABC or even Larry King Live on CNN. Also, while driving down the streets, a person cannot help but notice picket lines from protesters. Ask yourself this question, why would anyone want to purchase a product from a corporation that is helping to cause hardships for America' The answer is simple. If a person is purchasing products from a company that outsources, it only shows support. Eventually the outsourcing could affect that person’s job as a result. If our nation’s corporations are continuously making a negative impact on American families by outsourcing its jobs to countries overseas, who will help stand up against this procedure' A choice has to be made, continue on as if nothing is happening or take a stand against the companies that are helping to eliminate our countries jobs. If nothing is done to stop outsourcing from growing as it is, then eventually we all might find our jobs being sent overseas. References Bjorhus, Jennifer (2004, April 28). Investors oppose offshore outsourcing of jobs, Believe it hurts U.S. economy. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, p1. Retrieved August 20, 2006, from the ProQuest database. Encarta World English Dictionary [North American Edition]. (2006). Outsourcing. Retrieved September 10, 2006, from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/outsourcing.html Gnuschke, John, Wallace, Jeff, Wilson, Dennis, & Smith, Stephen (Spring 2004) Outsourcing production and jobs: costs and benefits. Business Perspectives, 16, p12 (6).  Retrieved August 16, 2006, from the InfoTrac OneFile database. Gussert, Andrew (June 2005). Outsourcing hurts American workers. State Legislatures, Vol. 31 Issue 6, p31. Retrieved August 20, 2006, from the EBSCOhost database.