I think both of you have a point.

Guvnah is correct in that ultimately the responsibility falls upon the worker to improve his lot in life. It’s not the company’s responsibility to take care of you. Many people are idiots when it comes to managing what little money they bring in. I work in a parts store. You would be surprised what people are doing with their money. Complaining about a 30 dollar coolant sensor when their truck has a four inch lift kit and 35 inch tires on it. Begging you for discounts because they are “broke.”

TNT is correct in that companies do take advantage welfare state to increase profit margins by paying their employees at or underneath what qualifies a family for government assistance so that the worker will feel “content” on survival rather than fighting for higher wages.