# I pit my company for their hypocrisy **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 26, 2012, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756 "2012-01-26T18:27:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/1 "2012-01-26T18:27:40Z")
Three years ago, our company, a major utility in the northeast decided that ‘in the best interest of all employees, we will no longer celebrate Veteran’s Day. Those who wish to continue to celebrate this holiday, may use a personal day to do so.’ A National Guard General, who is an employee here, took his case to the president, and was basically told, ‘go away, the decision has been made’. Today, we get an email, announcing, you got it, re-instituting Veteran’s Day as a company holiday, why: “Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for our country. We owe them a great deal for their service. As one of the stewards of the communities in the US northeast, we’ll recognize their contribution by observing Veterans Day and by working closely with veterans associations to provide employment opportunities for vets interested in working for our company.” I pit these small-minded, short-sighted, brainless, hypocritical assholes for shitting on the current veterans/employees who sacrificed for their country before, but suddenly, when they _ **need** _ new employees in specific fields, put on a ‘good’ face in hopes of hiring the new veterans just ending their tours in the Middle East. Yea, yea, companies are run for their own best interest, but seriously…really? I wonder how long they’ll keep Veteran’s Day this time?? Assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/2 "2012-01-26T18:40:27Z")
You know who it’s a good idea to pick a fight with? Soldiers. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/3 "2012-01-26T18:42:41Z")
At least they only fucked up for 3 years, and are making it right now (if for the wrong reasons). ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/4 "2012-01-26T18:49:38Z")
> [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](#): > > … but suddenly, when they _ **need** _ new employees in specific fields, put on a ‘good’ face in hopes of hiring the new veterans just ending their tours in the Middle East. It’s probably even more self-serving than you portray. There was a bill recently passed that gives companies some nice tax breaks (or some other incentives?) for hiring veterans. > [@](#): > > I wonder how long they’ll keep Veteran’s Day this time?? > > Assholes. Well, if there’s a sunset provision to that bill that was passed, I would guess it would be right around then. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/5 "2012-01-26T18:53:18Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > It’s probably even more self-serving than you portray. There was a bill recently passed that gives companies some nice tax breaks (or some other incentives?) for hiring veterans. > > Well, if there’s a sunset provision to that bill that was passed, I would guess it would be right around then. :rolleyes: That is just pathetic, sad and pathetic…I didn’t even think of that, but now that you say it, I do recall reading/hearing that somewhere. edit: found it here [http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-30/obama-signs-law-granting-tax-credits-for-hiring-jobless-vets.html](http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-30/obama-signs-law-granting-tax-credits-for-hiring-jobless-vets.html) ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/6 "2012-01-26T18:54:50Z")
I missed the hypocrisy. A company made a decision, changed their mind three years latter. Were there any major changes at the board of directors levels? ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/7 "2012-01-26T19:08:15Z")
> [@tim-n-va](#): > > I missed the hypocrisy. A company made a decision, changed their mind three years latter. Were there any major changes at the board of directors levels? No, no board changes that I’m aware of, but I think Voltaire nailed the reason why they ‘suddenly’ decided to change their minds… ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/8 "2012-01-26T19:29:42Z")
If they required employees to work on a national holiday, didn’t they have to pay double time (yes, I’m aware that’s a pun, given the subject holiday’s purpose)? That doesn’t strike me as fiscally responsible if they’re requiring everyone in the company to work that day. ---
**Author:** ![MysteryFellow63427](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/9 "2012-01-26T19:32:48Z")
Y’all still get Columbus day off though, right? … right? ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/10 "2012-01-26T19:35:25Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > If they required employees to work on a national holiday, didn’t they have to pay double time (yes, I’m aware that’s a pun, given the subject holiday’s purpose)? That doesn’t strike me as fiscally responsible if they’re requiring everyone in the company to work that day. No, because it’s not a company holiday, it is paid straight time. ---
**Author:** ![Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8491ac/32.png) [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fool_in_the_Rain)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/11 "2012-01-26T19:37:46Z")
> [@neuroman](#): > > Y’all still get Columbus day off though, right? > … right? No we don’t have Columbus Day either… New Years, President’s Day, Memorial day, July 4th, VJ Day (Rhode Island only state left), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, plus a birthday floater and a personal day. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/12 "2012-01-26T19:42:54Z")
I got all the way through the OP before I realized I was mis-reading Veteran’s Day as Valentine’s Day and couldn’t grok why the National Guard would give a shit. I … probably shouldn’t admit to it. Oh, well. Anyway: money talks. You know that. ---
**Author:** ![Sister\_Vigilante](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Sister\_Vigilante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sister_Vigilante)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/13 "2012-01-26T19:43:50Z")
I’ve never gotten Veteran’s Day off, in 15 years of office working. I’ve never gotten MLK or President’s Day off either. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/14 "2012-01-26T20:57:11Z")
> [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](#): > > No, no board changes that I’m aware of, but I think Voltaire nailed the reason why they ‘suddenly’ decided to change their minds… I’m not saying your Board isn’t a bunch of schmucks, but I don’t believe an unemployed veteran is going to turn his nose up at a job because he wouldn’t get Veteran’s day off. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/15 "2012-01-26T21:20:58Z")
Who the hell gets Veteran’s Day off in the first place? I mean, besides government employees. What the heck? Who gets Veteran’s Day off? ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/16 "2012-01-26T21:42:33Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I got all the way through the OP before I realized I was mis-reading Veteran’s Day as Valentine’s Day. Me too. ---
**Author:** ![Uber\_the\_Goober](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/58956e/32.png) [@Uber\_the\_Goober](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uber_the_Goober)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/17 "2012-01-27T00:25:55Z")
> [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](#): > > No we don’t have Columbus Day either… > > New Years, President’s Day, Memorial day, July 4th, VJ Day (Rhode Island only state left), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, plus a birthday floater and a personal day. Humans…by nature complain. I have never had that many holidays. I get the big 4, that’s it. New Years, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas. That’s it. No floaters, no personal days, hell I don’t even get sick days. Come to think of it, my boss is a stingy asshole. And he believes himself to be the most generous guy you’d ever meet. ETA: I think we may get Memorial day…not sure though…never noticed what with the 12 hour days worked before and after oftentimes. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/18 "2012-01-27T01:15:56Z")
> [@Fool\_in\_the\_Rain](#): > > No, because it’s not a company holiday, it is paid straight time. Still seeing a disconnect with that outfit and the concept of a federal holiday. Jerks. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2012, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/19 "2012-01-27T03:06:29Z")
> [@echo6160](#): > > \ > > Come to think of it, my boss is a stingy asshole. And he believes himself to be the most generous guy you’d ever meet. > > ETA: I think we may get Memorial day…not sure though…never noticed what with the 12 hour days worked before and after oftentimes. Are you self employed? ---
**Author:** ![tim-n-va](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim-n-va/32/3001_2.png) [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2012, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756/20 "2012-01-27T11:20:12Z")
Is Veterans Day as a paid holiday a requirement for the tax break? I’m skeptical that the break for hiring a veteran would offset the cost of the holiday for a large company. It only gives a one time credit of up to $12k (disabled vet out of work for than six months). I once interviewed at a company that offered no paid leave or holidays. My current company is a major defense contractor and we don’t get all Federal holidays off. Veteran’s Day is one where we work along with President’s Day and Columbus Day. No legal requirement to pay any holidays in my experience although employee retention might require it. Still don’t see hypocrisy but who cares. It is the pit. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-my-company-for-their-hypocrisy/610756.md?page=2)