Our country is experiencing record unemployment. There are more Americans unemployed or under employed than ever before in our history. In spite of this reality there is a huge problem in our country relating to our business employment practices.
The playing field isn’t level.
Some businesses choose to ignore the law and hire undocumented workers in an effort to save money, thereby being able to undercut the market and beat their competition. Those businesses that do hire legal workers, follow the rules and who pay taxes are often unable to compete based on price. Due to this unfair competition, many tax paying businesses aren’t creating enough profit to flourish, or in many cases to even stay in business.
Some of the industries most impacted are
- Construction (all types)
- Restaurants (all types)
- Maintenance
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
As consumers we make choices about products and services on a daily basis. If we, as a group of consumers, like something and buy it we are supporting it and it will continue to exist. If we don’t like something and don’t buy it, it won’t be produced any longer. We are a powerful group.
Typically we are informed about our purchases, knowing where the product was manufactured and what it is made of. We know this based on the origin of the manufacturer or the labeling on the product. By having that knowledge we are empowered to make a choice whether to support that product by buying it or not supporting it by buying something else.
We effectively “vote” with our dollars and feet based on where we spend our money and where we spend our time.
What about service businesses?
It’s easy to learn if a product is made in America, or China, or India… simply read the label. If buying a domestic product is important to you, then you are easily able to make the determination and choose based on it’s label. But what if you want to support local businesses that hire only documented workers? How do you find those businesses who pay their share of taxes and operate within the law? Until now, there’s no label…
ABLE, American Business for Legal Employment, has been organized to provide those businesses that obey the law and “play by the rules” an opportunity to market themselves as such.
ABLE compliant businesses are licensed to display the ABLE logo at their place of business, on their business cards, stationary, on their vehicles and in their advertising and marketing. Additionally, they will have unique opportunities to reach various target markets with special promotions and offerings. By use of both Internet and smart phone technologies, ABLE businesses are showcased for consumers to easily find, contact and engage their business.
ABLE is the solution that empowers consumers to motivate businesses to comply with the law. If we consumers choose to support ABLE certified businesses over non-compliant businesses then we are “voting” every day by where we spend our money and how we spend our time.