In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1982. Please note, all names/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: A major recession hit North America in late 1981.
Question: If your boss told you that you had to take a 2.5% pay cut because of economic conditions, how would you react?
Sigrid Moore – Bartender at Creperie Chez Moi – Alpine Meadows
I don’t think there would be too much I could do right now. There aren’t too many jobs available and if you have one you have to hang on to it. It’s not a matter of pride where you could just stick your nose in the air, say ‘forget it’ and walk out.
Jean-Luc Perron – L’Apres busboy – Alta Vista
At the salary I’m making right now, I think it would be unfair to take away any percentage. As it is now, I’m only making enough to get by on.
Astrid Douglas – Front desk clerk at Mountainside Lodge – White Gold Estates
It all depends on the situation. For me working here, I couldn’t afford it, especially living in Whistler where increases in salaries are never even as high as inflation.
It depends on what you’re working at too.
Rob Phillips – Longhorn manager – Whistler Cay
If it was essential for me to stay at Whistler, then I would gladly accept a cut in pay.
But if the money was important, my background in the restaurant business allows me sufficient latitude to maintain my current level of income elsewhere.
Jim Kitteringham – Vehicle Maintenance Foreman for Whistler Mountain Ski Corp. – Emerald Estates
If my employer asked me to take a wage cut, there’s no way I could support myself financially, especially considering the high cost of living at Whistler.
In other words – no way!
Ken Domries – Husky mechanic – Alpine Meadows
I think what I’d do is send my boss to my landlord and the power company to see if they would take a 2.5% decrease. Sure, I’d take a cut – if everyone else did.