Working for Peanuts  

   Does this strike you as wrong?   

   Here in wealthy America we have workers making less than $15,000 per year. Their living and working conditions are in the minor category.

   Seven workers in Alabama crowded into a three-bedroom apartment. Those in California sleep in camper vans at trailer parks, while others catch sleep in their cars. Some are known to steal. 

   One group on a two week job site considered sleeping in their cars. A hotel bill would have consumed 80 percent of their paychecks. 

   "Quality food" for one group of employees is a cheese sandwich on shriveled white bread with a scoop of coleslaw. Meals don't come with dessert. 

   You may balk at this, but it's all in the game for minor league baseball players. Many of them never make it to the big payoff.  

   One team's general manager speaks of "fine-tuning the way the industry invests in player development." Translation: Teams will pinch pennies for as long as they can. 

   All this, despite the fact that Major League Baseball last winter eliminated 40 teams, restructuring its minor league system. 

   So, where's the money they saved? 

   It's not like owners are broke. Ticket prices are way up, as are TV dollars. Every player promoted to the majors ends up in the top 1 percent of American wage earners (while it lasts). Before unionization a few decades ago, even major leaguers had to work off-season to make ends meet.

   Now, all-stars negotiate for millions and more millions. When will owners treat the farm teams as well as farmers treat their animals?

   You know the song: Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks...

   It's the minor leaguers who need the peanuts...more peanuts!   

           Jimmy