Employers in Small Towns (Colstrip: transplants, home, employment)

[A Neighbor]

What is it with small town employers who think that the people who work for them can't and shouldn't have different views as them? Our clinic here is having major problems and if anyone stands up for themselves they are a "bad person". People who have stood up to say that they were concerned about losing 20 employees in 3 years in a clinic that normally staffs 14-17 employees are told by their employer that they shouldn't be doing that because it reflects badly on the business, school, power plant, etc. Whatever happened to our first amendment rights and since when could an employer control what their employees think and do on their own time as long as its legal? Does anyone else agree with me that it is wrong and that it reflects worse on the employer to do this than to allow a person the right to their own beliefs and views?

[rickers]

When you're in a tiny town with only one or two employers, the boss hoggs seem to think they can control and abuse their workers. Why do you ask ?
Answer: Because they can ! Become self employed and you'll be happier !

[jimj]

Originally Posted by A Neighbor

What is it with small town employers who think that the people who work for them can't and shouldn't have different views as them? Our clinic here is having major problems and if anyone stands up for themselves they are a "bad person". People who have stood up to say that they were concerned about losing 20 employees in 3 years in a clinic that normally staffs 14-17 employees are told by their employer that they shouldn't be doing that because it reflects badly on the business, school, power plant, etc. Whatever happened to our first amendment rights and since when could an employer control what their employees think and do on their own time as long as its legal? Does anyone else agree with me that it is wrong and that it reflects worse on the employer to do this than to allow a person the right to their own beliefs and views?

This seems to be the general trend here, for such an independant state and such self sufficient anti-government church going people you'd think they wouldn't be as closed minded or judgemental.
It's kind of a group think mentality IMO. It also has to do with how long you've been here. If it hasn't been for decades you are seen as a "newcomer" that hasn't been assimilated and therefore any opinion you have if it deviates from the local opinion is seen as "trying to change things like where you came from" and will not be received well.
Trust me when I tell you that you can either adjust or move or be prepared to be shunned by some. Is it good or bad? doesn't matter, it just is.
As rickers said, why do they do this? Because they can and that's the way it's been here for 50 years.

[A Neighbor]

In Colstrip, everyone except the local ranchers are transplants, imports or moved over the hill from other MT towns. The trend is just beginning and I don't like it. I grew up in family owned business and would love to do the same as the rest of my family and open a business here, although the market for little businesses here is strange. I do know that that isn't the way an employee should be treated.

[GiftShoppeGuy]

What's even more interesting is the "small employers" that start up here after moving from another state.

They somehow have gotten it into their heads that they can pay lower than the average wage.

And yes, the "little hitler" mentality about what and what not to say does exist in some employment circles. Healthcare is the worst of these.
This mindset for the most part, has come straight from the business plans of corporations who's home offices are located out of state.

The divide and conquer mentality of corporate business is really nothing new.
They call it "being a team member", right or wrong... either you are on the team, or you are not. Expressing a view that might go against the "company line" will land you the great opportunity of having to find a new job elsewhere.

In the corporate world, the "company line" will win the day for you.