Morals have lowest melt threshold during global meltdowns

The global economy begins to look bleaker with each passing day on growing doubts over Greece's ability to avoid default, which in turn are fuelling fears of global financial turmoil and recession.

Moreover in the backdrop of a declining US economy, a possibility of a prolonged recession, and growing fears over the banking sector's exposure to euro zone sovereign debt (made worse with Germany and France's so far failing attempts to rein in the Euro instability and Italy's shaky financial footing) there seems little to smile about, or, let alone, make light off.

But it seems this is not for the lack of trying.


As the economy continues to take a hit there is a more real aftereffect than just plummeting global stocks (which, by the way, is at an all-time 15 month low) or lower profit margins, at best, or bankruptcy, at worst – on the other side of the equation people lose jobs that they probably need to survive.

In times of global villages and linked economic indices, global ceases to be global as much as it is 'GLOCAL.'

Times are particularly tough for people at the lower income spectrum and in an (inane?) attempt to keep spirits high, QC Mart, a Iowan convenience store chain, kicked off a contest offering $10 to employees to “guess which of your colleagues will be fired next.”

Believing in the promise...

In my opinion this can only be a sordid and sorry attempt to emulate reality TV suspense in its worst form. Not only was the contest in poor taste and a deplorably bad attempt at making light of a not-so-funny matter, but clearly thought off by someone without a clue and a sure job.

As it happens an employee quit on seeing the memo (announcing: “NEW CONTEST – GUESS THE NEXT CASHIER WHO WILL BE FIRED!!!) and realising that it wasn't a joke. She sued QC Mart for being a 'hostile work environment.'

The judge agreed and did not see the matter lightly either. She ruled against the store.

Administrative Law Judge Susan D. Ackerman ruled that the employee was eligible for unemployment insurance after quitting her job because of the contest. “The employer’s actions have clearly created a hostile work environment by suggesting its employees turn on each other for a minimal monetary prize. The claimant has established this was an intolerable and detrimental work environment,” Ackerman wrote.

If the idea of the contest doesn't repel you yet, read the actual text of the memo below. It would be hilarious if it wasn't meant to be taken seriously (this was issued in March):

“New Contest – Guess The Next Cashier Who Will Be Fired!!!


“To win our game, write on a piece of paper the name of the next cashier you believe will be fired. Write their name [the person who will be fired], today’s date, today’s time, and your name. Seal it in an envelope and give it to the manager to put in my envelope.


“Here’s how the game will work: We are doubling our secret-shopper efforts, and your store will be visited during the day and at night several times a week. Secret shoppers will be looking for cashiers wearing a hat, talking on a cell phone, not wearing a QC Mart shirt, having someone hanging around/behind the counter, and/or a personal car parked by the pumps after 7 p.m., among other things.


“If the name in your envelope has the right answer, you will win $10 CASH. Only one winner per firing unless there are multiple right answers with the exact same name, date, and time. Once we fire the person, we will open all the envelopes, award the prize, and start the contest again.


“And no fair picking Mike Miller from (the Rockingham Road store). He was fired at around 11:30 a.m. today for wearing a hat and talking on his cell phone.


Good luck!!!!!!!!!!”

A global economic meltdown sure brings out the best of the worst in a lot of people. So what do you think? Care to report any more incidents low moral melt thresholds during a glocal meltdown?