I do not think most employees would expect alcohol to be served, but our district's Centennial Roadshow was an embarrassment to the company. They ran out of food, they told us they could not give the kids bracelets at Race the Truck because they were saving them for the one the following week, they ran out of coloring books, and went inside the hub to make photocopies. The clown ran out of balloons to make balloon animals.
I had my family there, and I was utterly appalled. The food was atrocious. We left and went to a local restaurant to eat because the food was seriously lacking.
The way they built it up in my District that this is a once in a lifetime thing, and everyone should attend, I am glad more people did not show up, because the food would have run out sooner, and we might have had a riot on our hands.
I understand each location had a tight budget, but do not build it up that it is going to be this big wonderful celebration, and disappoint everyone, mostly the kids.
Corporate Express and Lands' End made sure that they were there making a buck off of the souvenirs. Each UPS employee who attended could have been given a small token of appreciation for attending. At least the ones who volunteered got a shirt.
And I do not consider myself an ungrateful employee. I appreciate the opportunity this company has provided me. The benefits and pay are without peer. But the fact that management is so untrusting of the employees who go out every day, and give 120% (I know there are dogs out there, too, but they are outnumbered by the hard workers). It was evident in '97 that management couldn't survive without us. We are all in this together, though. You cannot have too many chiefs and not enough indians.
I overheard one manager tell a FT sup that all employees lie, cheat, and steal. Not all of us do. I am a shareholder, too. I may not get MIP, but I bust my butt every day, and get no thanks from anyone associated with the company. I do my job because of the satisfaction I get by providing my customers world class service. It would be nice to get a sincere thank you every now and then. I do not need a coffee mug, t-shirt, or baseball cap. Just be sincere, and a little more trusting. Jim Casey was.