More U.S. Jobs Lost

Well, another American company has decided to "reduce expenses" and is closing down a local call center in favor of outsourcing the operation.  Redbox is the outfit that maintains soda machine size vending machines all around the country, at which you can rent $1 videos.  The business model is killing Blockbuster and even attracting attention from Netflix. 

While news reports aren't specific about the plan, it's not a big stretch to conclude that "outsourcing" means "off-shoring."  The loss of Illinois jobs will be probably be matched by an increase of jobs in Manila, Bangalore, or Singapore.  The number of jobs involved isn't huge, about 200, but this is a company that is making money and planning expansion at the same time they're laying off employees. 

To those who say that this is "good business decision" and it's just "global economics," all I can say is that's baloney.   The global economy does not have to be the only game in town.   If we as Americans want to preserve jobs and livelihoods of Americans, we need to start complaining loudly when companies treat us like this.   Especially when the company, like Redbox, is making money.  At the very least, American workers (those that are still employed) should not be patronizing such businesses.  As long as we just take this abusive corporate behavior without complaint, the employment opportunities will just get worse.

If you'd like to express your lack of appreciation to Redbox, drop them an email.