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>it's actually very sad that in America it's the corporations who are taking the role of defending citizens rights Why is that sad? It's precisely how it shou

>it's actually very sad that in America it's the corporations who are taking the role of defending citizens rights Why is that sad? It's precisely how it should work. Corporations have the power, money, organization and man-power to push a progressive agenda. It's just a collection of people afterall, not some nebulous, evil entity.

joepvd 11y ago
In the countries I have been living, paternal leave is a right that comes with having a job and getting a kid. It is not a perk that some noble businesses might choose to provide.
tmcz26 11y ago
If you ignore the profit motive then maybe, but Corporations in the end are there to serve their shareholders. If the people at the top care, then the company might have a progressive agenda, but that is usually not the case. Take my country, Brazil, for instance. Regardless of the current corruption scandal going on, it has a very protective labor laws because it presumes the Corporation will screw their employees if they can, which historically is what happened. Since the 50s local companies are required to pay a 13th wage, to help with annual expenses (yearly taxes, insurances and of course the holiday gifts); give paid 30-day vacation; 4 months of maternity leave (2 weeks for dads); commute reimbursement, if you take public transport; and meal/lunch allowances, since the employee has to eat during their 8 hour day. That's all mandatory. Medical insurance is expected in most jobs, though it is not mandated. This is a major safety network for the (employed) poor. Now, I've been both employee and employer and I think, overall, this is a good thing. Yes, the Corporation's expenses with staff are very high, but everyone has to do it, so it's not like it impedes local competition. If it was optional then startups and enlightened companies would probably provide this, but most "regular" companies wouldn't.

joepvd 11y ago

In the countries I have been living, paternal leave is a right that comes with having a job and getting a kid. It is not a perk that some noble businesses might choose to provide.

tmcz26 11y ago

If you ignore the profit motive then maybe, but Corporations in the end are there to serve their shareholders. If the people at the top care, then the company might have a progressive agenda, but that is usually not the case. Take my country, Brazil, for instance. Regardless of the current corruption scandal going on, it has a very protective labor laws because it presumes the Corporation will screw their employees if they can, which historically is what happened. Since the 50s local companies are required to pay a 13th wage, to help with annual expenses (yearly taxes, insurances and of course the holiday gifts); give paid 30-day vacation; 4 months of maternity leave (2 weeks for dads); commute reimbursement, if you take public transport; and meal/lunch allowances, since the employee has to eat during their 8 hour day. That's all mandatory. Medical insurance is expected in most jobs, though it is not mandated. This is a major safety network for the (employed) poor. Now, I've been both employee and employer and I think, overall, this is a good thing. Yes, the Corporation's expenses with staff are very high, but everyone has to do it, so it's not like it impedes local competition. If it was optional then startups and enlightened companies would probably provide this, but most "regular" companies wouldn't.