Let’s talk about those emails we’ve all been getting — the ones trying to “explain” why our paychecks are about to shrink. Apparently, because there’s an extra pay period this year, instead of actually paying us for that extra period, the company decided to stretch our annual salary across 27 checks instead of 26. Translation? Every single paycheck is smaller.
For a lot of us, that’s not just a minor math adjustment. That’s bills. That’s gas. That’s food. That’s medication. We budget every dollar, and now the dollars are disappearing — all because leadership didn’t want to “overpay” their own employees for the work we already do.
And as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve slashed the company’s contribution to our Health Savings Accounts too. It used to be $1,200 a year — now it’s $900. And you only get that full $900 if you match it yourself. So not only are they giving less, they’re making you pay to get it.
The timing couldn’t be more insulting. After docking our AIP bonuses this year — supposedly to “balance finances” — they somehow found room for executive bonuses that skyrocketed into the millions. The president’s pay alone reportedly doubled to over $25 million. So while the rest of us are watching our paychecks shrink, the top is cashing in on the sweat and exhaustion of the people who actually make this company run — the nurses, techs, and support staff who show up every day and take care of our members like they’re family.
And let’s not forget the cherry on top: instead of loading that $1,200 HSA at the start of the year when we actually need it, they’re now dribbling out $33 per paycheck. That’s $66.66 a month. I’m sorry, but I don’t need to see that number show up in my account every month — it’s bad enough without the symbolism.
We’re the ones carrying this company — not the executives, not the board, us. The ones working short-staffed, fielding calls, and doing the impossible day after day. And the thanks we get? Smaller paychecks. Less help. Less respect.
They tell us to “remember the bigger picture.” Well, here’s the bigger picture: without us, there is no company. No record profits. No executive bonuses. No “success stories.”
So here it is — loud and clear: stop taking from the people who keep you afloat. Stop cutting from the bottom to feed the top. You can’t preach “member care” and “employee appreciation” in the same breath you’re docking pay and slashing benefits.
We see what’s happening. We’re tired. And we’re done staying quiet about it.