Article: Sun fired US workers to hire lower-paid Indians

[David Abramowitz]

Thank you for this information. The only thing that surprises me, is that there is not a lot more lawsuits like this one. This has been a long time coming, and should hopefully attract the attention of our legislature. Dave

[Guest.Visitor]

I worked for a company that did the same thing. They were in a rush to expanded, hiring H1-B workers, in addition to US programmers. One year later, they laid off most of the US workers, about half of the H1 programmers, ending up with mostly H1 programmers. The remaining US programmers were mostly already there before the expansion occured. The frustating thing is that they continue to advertise opennings, even though they are not hiring. Their excuse is that they have to advertise opennings to satisfy an INS requirement that they have a need for workers in order to keep the H1 workers, and to allow those workers to get green cards.

[David Abramowitz]

By law, the company must not hire any H1-B workers if qualified U.S. Citizens, or even Green card holders are available. By law, the H1-B visa holder must return to their country of origin after five years. The H1-B program was never intended to be a stepping stone to a green card, and IMO constitutes an improper use of the program. By practice, companies using H1-B workers don't give a flying &^%&*(^ Dave

[Guest.Visitor]

Senate Bill 1349, which provides that only citizens or persons authorized to work in the US pursuant to federal law may be employed in performing certain State contracts(New Jersey). As you are probably aware, S1349 passed the Senate on December 16, 2002 and is currently in the Assembly State Government Committee where it awaits consideration. If we can get these passed, it will open up the way for American's to take back the workplace. I remember back in 94-95, the company I worked for was outsourcing to India for a project, instead of having those of us at the company work on it. At the time, we were so swamped, it didn't phase us. Now, with more and more IT workers out of work and not able to find a job, its more important that our government pass bills to insure we continue to live the American dream. I have many Indian friends and don't wish them to lose their jobs here, but if it means an American can work and support their family, then I am sorry, but I will choose an American working everytime. Even a stranger.

[nycsusan@hotmail.com]

From the Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/077/business/Suit_Sun_fired_US_workers_to_hire_lower_paid_India ns+.shtml

[David Abramowitz]

It is one thing to get a bill passed at the local or state level, but something else entirely at the federal level. New Jersey has it's own technology belt (Route 287) similar to Boston's route 128, or California's Silicon Valley. Plus the close proximity to NYC gives NJ a large constituency of technical workers with a vested interest. OTOH the house and senate are filled with individuals who may be professionally lobbied by entities having nothing to do with their area. It is a fascinating process, and not for the squeamish. Politics at the local level is far more palatable. I have a new article that will appear on this site 3/31. It will attempt to explain how the technology profession finds itself in today's circumstances. Certainly part of that is legislation that was forced down our throats by a vested few. Dave