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98 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2022 "We can also show that improving the work- ing conditions and educating the workers has reduced turnover and absenteeism, also reduc- ing costs," Maggie said. "We forgot to mention that we have a year-end bonus program for the workers that is tied to our profitability. e workers have really bought into it, and it has helped the bottom line." Ned Price was beside himself. "You 'Ivory Tower' types are all the same. ere's no sense taking me to lunch. You should save the money to offset the losses you will accrue with your big spending practices," he said. With that final comment, he huffed and walked out the door. As Maggie and John watched Ned leave, three workers approached them. ey looked extremely troubled. Finally, one spoke. "Is Mr. Price coming back?" Sam Berzinski asked, his chin appear- ing to quiver. "No, Sam, Ned Price is not coming back," John answered. Sam was impressed that John knew his name. "We're so relieved," said Rachel Goodman, another of the three. "Ever since you took over, we have been excited to come into work," said Lucy Concha, the third member of the group. "It is so pleas- ant here, and you and Chuck treat us so well. We all want to work very hard to make Ivy Benson as successful as possible. We are also so grateful for the educational opportunities you have given us. We've never been treated so well by an employer in our lives." Sam, Lucy, and Rachel chatted for a few more minutes with John and Maggie, and then suggested that they should get back to work. "How can something so obvious be missed by someone like Ned Price?" John asked Maggie. "I think I know what you mean, but can you elaborate?" she responded. "Well, isn't it obvious that by treating the team at Ivy Benson well and providing good working conditions and opportunities for edu- cation, that the company will make the most profit?" John asked. "And it's the right thing to do as a human being," Maggie added. A bit overcome with emotion by the com- ments of Sam, Rachel, and Lucy, Maggie was simultaneously reminded of her gratitude for John. How fortunate she was to have such a wonderful life partner. Without thinking, she pulled John toward her, and gave him a sub- stantial kiss. She didn't care that all the work- ers cheered. Stay tuned for the next episode, as Maggie and John visit Maggie's grandparents to sum- marize the improvements at Benson and Ivy Benson Electronics. Note: I imagine many readers are chuckling or groaning as they read how outrageous and non- perceptive Ned Price was. However, Ivy Electron- ics, before Maggie and John took over, is a com- posite of several of the assembly facilities I have audited among the scores I have visited world- wide. e descriptions of the restrooms and mis- treatment of the people was real. Luckily, there were only a few facilities as described in the last few episodes. Most troubling , however, is that in some parts of the world, educating or train- ing workers is owned upon. I was involved in several cases where ee training was offered and turned down as management was concerned that the newly trained workers would leave and go to competitors. SMT007 References 1. What is a Spaghetti Diagram?, ASQ.org. Ronald C. Lasky is an instruc- tional professor of engineering for the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, and senior technologist at Indium Corporation. To read past columns, or contact Lasky, click here. Download The Printed Circuit Assembler's Guide to… Solder Defects by Christopher Nash and Dr. Ronald C. Lasky. You can also view other titles in our full I-007e Book library here.