Complaint Review: Exxon - Mobil

I work at EM in technology and after being there as a fly on the wall, you'd be surprised how the company is being run. Here are a few facts for you:

Fact: Did you know when you turn 55, they terminate you within 30 days? They may bring you back as a contractor though. Of course, pensions, vacations, sick days are a thing of the past.

Fact: I know a lady that's been there 18 years as a contractor. In fact, 75% of everybody there is a contractor. Turnover is high.

Fact: Their business practices are such that you'd swear they're running in the red. There is no money available for anything. It's all being outsorced. Their server guys are in Latin America, the helpdesk is in Canada. I've seen entire buildings empty, but the lighjts are on.

Fact: They are now highly diverse. Their tape operator is dressed like a Crip or a Blood. They still run old mainframe computers like they did back in the 70's. They have no expertise in any I.T. discipline. Everybody's relatively new. There are a select few old-timers just counting the days until they're put to pasture. They can't get work just knowing COBOL-74!

Fact: They have a 17 story tower with the trinity river running outside. They can't sell it. Today it is a disaster recovery facility that will hold 1,400 people in an event of a hurricane. If that takes place, they will not be able to continue doing business duriing a hurricane because all disaster recovery tests have been miserable failures.

Fact: They have reduced staff so much that there used to be 3000 people at the Dallas facility. Now there are 300. Old timers tell me that when it was Mobil, it was a good place to work. Now it's all contractors with no benefits or raises. They cut all cohesive groups by over 50%. they have 1 network guy and 1 voice guy....in Irving and they don't know s**t. In the tower, they installed 12 decent Catalyst switches, only to find out (by a little birdie) that the entire building will have to be re-cabled, because that old s**t they're trying to use won't support 10/100/1000 mbps Ethernet. 10/100 was a little "ify". The existing cable is old IBM type-3 for Token-ring that was converted to Ethernet using baluns. s**t I haven't seen in 20+ years!

Fact: EM is paranoid that employees will walk out with laptops. They have them all tethered down. You believe this s**t?

Fact: Security is tight at all facilities. This is because a few years ago Greenpeace came into the corporate offices in Irving in suits, went to the men's room and came out protesting with signs while wearing tiger suits (no lie). You have to swipe your badge with a smartcard every 10 feet. I take a s**t, they know about it.
They also know I don't go to lunch like a lot of people because we're over worked. You put a zero for lunch on your timecard, they'll make you put an hour down.

Fact: They want all employees to petition their representatives to vote no on a new energy bill. This bill is an attempt to provide at least some regulation of EM.

I could go on and on, but you get the general idea. Since I've been there they've cut about 40 people but told that they will get replacements after the 4th quarter. Looks like it's just the CEO making money there. They employees and contractors are not.

32 years in oil and gas. Let me say a few things most folks don't know.

Yes Exxonmobil (EM) manages oil and gas production to position the market demand and therefore prices. They do the same with chemicals and plastics. Yes they produce those too. Their approach is much more sophistocated than slowing down the pumps at the wellhead. That is done to reduce saltwater that is pumped out with the oil. Pump too fast you get way too much saltwater. Pump slower and you get lots of oil and little salt water.

Em has access to adverage family incomes and spending trends within postal codes and sets pricing to francised gas stations according to that infomation. They also know the adverage age of the cars and homes from tax information.

EM gas stations are privately owned and operate under EM signs and can buy their gas from any wholeseller and often do. This way they often sell gas that cost less per gallon than what EM charges, but put the full price to the customer. EM gets a percentage from the profits.

EM sends raw gasoline through pipelines under lease to other oil companies. What does that mean to the consumer? They send 200,000 barrels of gasoline to LA from Houston at 3:00 pm and at the same moment they route the gasoline out at LA to the EM terminal. The majority of the gasoline never came from an EM Refinery. It was refined by others and just in the pipeline when the re-route started.

People are silly who purchase EM fuel and think they are getting a superior product. They would never think of buying gas anywhere else and stay away from the CHEAP gas staions. They are the bread and butter customers of EM.

The DOE oil reserve was never intended to be used as a buffer for oil prices. I know that is what the public was told and some has been released to make good on that politcal promise. In fact, it is stored away in a Fort Knox type facility and to be used only in the event of global war.

Read on Only if you are tough...

I have attended meetings with EM executives and discussed where to build the next refinery expansions. I listened to them laugh about being able to take "A favorable position" with Labor and local businesses because many prospactive locations were experiencing economic distress. (Yes, they have all that information)They bragged about how great their bonuses will be when they complete their projects millions of dollars under budget.

They Laughed about taking advantage of people.

Traveler

Alex,
Maybe I didn't make myself clear on my last post. My relative was not wrong, the oil wells are already drilled, the oil is there, but the wells are only allowed to pump so much oil in a day. Each well is authorized to pump so much and then they don't pump anymore until the next day or next week, whatever the oil production schedulers call for in their schedule. This schedule is directed by a board of exec's that decide what amount of crude they will put on the market and how much they will refine and how much will be sold overseas. In any case no matter what is said, the CEO's and other exec's get paid way to much and get too many bonus dollars that should go to production and to the workers.

Hello;

I'll start with Ray. Ray, um, the decision to drill for oil is usually based on a net present value calculation: can the price of hiring workers now, buying land and drilling now, getting all the permits, etc. be offset by cash flows from oil that will come in the future?

If the answer is yes, then they drill. If not, the answer is no. This really has nothing to do with "exec compensation". Your relative is simply wrong.

I'd also like to mention that real estate prices are really high. Why is nobody calling real estate people crooks, liars, cheats, etc. Why not make them give back some of their profits (somebody at the Motley Fool made this observation)?

As for D, The U.S. goverment's decision to store oil has nothing to do with the oil companies. Why should Exxon-Mobil be held accountable for this again?

While you do bring up some fair points, are you aware that the US Gvmt. has enough reserve in crude oil (which when refined makes gas), gold, and other such products stock-piled and alternated into circulation every so often (so as to keep the replacement stock fresh) as to be able to re-start this country should the need ever arise? Yes, that is correct, our Gvmt. does stock pile all these items in case of the need.

Not many people are aware of this information, and tend to claim that the cause is supply and demand. If the Gvmt. wanted to put an end to the prices, they would circulate part of the reserve stock to ease the pressure, but then they would have to replace it later, and more of the public would know about it.

While you do bring up some fair points, are you aware that the US Gvmt. has enough reserve in crude oil (which when refined makes gas), gold, and other such products stock-piled and alternated into circulation every so often (so as to keep the replacement stock fresh) as to be able to re-start this country should the need ever arise? Yes, that is correct, our Gvmt. does stock pile all these items in case of the need.

Not many people are aware of this information, and tend to claim that the cause is supply and demand. If the Gvmt. wanted to put an end to the prices, they would circulate part of the reserve stock to ease the pressure, but then they would have to replace it later, and more of the public would know about it.

While you do bring up some fair points, are you aware that the US Gvmt. has enough reserve in crude oil (which when refined makes gas), gold, and other such products stock-piled and alternated into circulation every so often (so as to keep the replacement stock fresh) as to be able to re-start this country should the need ever arise? Yes, that is correct, our Gvmt. does stock pile all these items in case of the need.

Not many people are aware of this information, and tend to claim that the cause is supply and demand. If the Gvmt. wanted to put an end to the prices, they would circulate part of the reserve stock to ease the pressure, but then they would have to replace it later, and more of the public would know about it.

While you do bring up some fair points, are you aware that the US Gvmt. has enough reserve in crude oil (which when refined makes gas), gold, and other such products stock-piled and alternated into circulation every so often (so as to keep the replacement stock fresh) as to be able to re-start this country should the need ever arise? Yes, that is correct, our Gvmt. does stock pile all these items in case of the need.

Not many people are aware of this information, and tend to claim that the cause is supply and demand. If the Gvmt. wanted to put an end to the prices, they would circulate part of the reserve stock to ease the pressure, but then they would have to replace it later, and more of the public would know about it.

In response to the last post that stated Exxon was not a rip-off I submit the following.

For 33 years a relative of mine worked for Exxon-Mobil and he can attest that for many years, production in his fields were limited by company exec's to promote higher oil prices, thus leading to higher prices at the pumps. Hurricanes did do damage, but if the companies did not let the CEO's collect such outrageous salaries, the companies could build more refineries and process more oil, therefore keeping the price of gas lower.

I am not against a company making money, but Exxon-Mobil has never had a losing year as far as profits.

In response to the last post that stated Exxon was not a rip-off I submit the following.

For 33 years a relative of mine worked for Exxon-Mobil and he can attest that for many years, production in his fields were limited by company exec's to promote higher oil prices, thus leading to higher prices at the pumps. Hurricanes did do damage, but if the companies did not let the CEO's collect such outrageous salaries, the companies could build more refineries and process more oil, therefore keeping the price of gas lower.

I am not against a company making money, but Exxon-Mobil has never had a losing year as far as profits.

In response to the last post that stated Exxon was not a rip-off I submit the following.

For 33 years a relative of mine worked for Exxon-Mobil and he can attest that for many years, production in his fields were limited by company exec's to promote higher oil prices, thus leading to higher prices at the pumps. Hurricanes did do damage, but if the companies did not let the CEO's collect such outrageous salaries, the companies could build more refineries and process more oil, therefore keeping the price of gas lower.

I am not against a company making money, but Exxon-Mobil has never had a losing year as far as profits.

In response to the last post that stated Exxon was not a rip-off I submit the following.

For 33 years a relative of mine worked for Exxon-Mobil and he can attest that for many years, production in his fields were limited by company exec's to promote higher oil prices, thus leading to higher prices at the pumps. Hurricanes did do damage, but if the companies did not let the CEO's collect such outrageous salaries, the companies could build more refineries and process more oil, therefore keeping the price of gas lower.

I am not against a company making money, but Exxon-Mobil has never had a losing year as far as profits.

There are so many lame arguments being written here, I don't even know where to begin.

I'll start off with the original post about excess oil profits. As mentioned in the original post, oil prices are determined by supply and demand, NOT by the oil companies themselves. Oil is a commodity, and traded by thousands of people every day sitting in front of computers in New York, London, Tokyo, and other places. The oil companies sell oil at the prevailing market price. They do NOT wake up one day and decide "hmm...let's double the price of oil so I can make more money!" It simply doesn't work that way.

Bear in mind that there is NO indication of price fixing among oil companies (meaning that they do NOT get together and try to manipulate prices).

I will concede that oil prices are high. Why? Well, we had two hurricanes that disrupted oil supplies. The middle east is highly unstable. China and India continue to demand lots of oil. NOT because some oil execs were in a bad mood....

As for executive compensation, I do agree that CEOs for the most part are overpaid. However, CEO's work for the shareholders of a company. Exxon's stock has gone up a bunch. Revenues and net income are increasing. Shareholders are being rewarded through stock price increases. The CEO of Exxon-Mobil, has done his job, and should be rewarded for that.

The problem I have with executive compensation is when CEOs are paid a lot of money for mediocre performance (GM, Radioshack, Blockbuster, Six Flags, or any other badly run company). Here are some things that would help limit execessive executive pay.

1. Require the Board of Directors to meet without any management present.
2. Prohibit the CEO from being chairman of the Board.
3. Prohibit any upper level management from taking up ANY other outside employment that may create a conflict of interest.

I could think of more, but I disgress. I could also attack some of the other garbage being peddled here, but I think I've written enough.

Ya, I believe we shouldn't be shipping American Jobs over to 3rd World Countries,

Tell me something, where the Sam Hell you think your gonna work if everythings made overseas ??? Ya wanna stand around on a street corner selling fruits and veggies to just get by and support yourself and your family,, just because you got brainwashed and dumbed down by this corrupt Government and crooked & corrupt Corportations!!

I also remember we had American citizens go overseas in the years past, and fight for this country and give their lives for this country,, not to be sold out,,like we are now, so a few Corporate CEOs and Corrupt Politicians could Rape us and the country !!!!

China's a perfect Example,, we are dumping tons of money on them,, how we gonna feel, when one day they decide to take some of that money and use it against us,, and fund their own war against us, with capitol we provided them,, because we weren't thinking

Don't know about you, but I don't really care to live in communist controlled America, lead by a Communist dictator from China,, or N.Korea, or any other country,,, kinda like Iraq,,when Saddam was in power, and I've been to Iraq and talked to some of those Iraqi's,,, should hear their stories !!!!

But were doing the same thing they did,, became to complacent, and Naive, & afraid to stand up to the Corrupt Powers that be,,, rather their Political powers or,, Corporate Powers,,,,,, Rather anyone actually believes,, this or not,, and I did have a hard time believing it at first till I did several years of research, and gathering documents and interviewing some certain individuals,,,,,,,, there is a plan or an attempt to turn us, the United States of America into a 3rd World country,,,over a slow period of time,, so as the Powers that be,, won't have to put up with much Civil inrest within,,,,,

I slowly starting seeing the effects back in 1988,, and during the Iran Contra Scandel,, as to how they were able to get by with that for as long as they did without anybody catching on,,, Most of the Public is Clueless about that and how it workd and what went on.

Alot of the same players who were around back then, are now back in power in some fashion or form, and involvd either directly or indirectly, and are once again attempting to install upon us this new World Order !!!!!!!!

Now,, what are we the American Citizen doing about any of this ?????? NOTHING !!!

What we are doing is sitting around waiting for somebody to have the balls to step up to the plate and Save us or straighten this mess out,, for us,,,looking at one another as if to say,, you gonna do it,, or how about you,,,,

Just going to the voting booths and voting isn't going to change things anymore,, they got that covered,,, remember they have a lot of money,, Billions,,,,and they can control that too, in their favor !!!!!!!!

Simply put, we've lost the ability to stand up for ourselves,, and have become so naive and dumbed down,,, its just pathetic,,, and if,, we now try to rebel or protest or demonstrate against a corrupt regime,, we may be labeled as Enemy Combatents within,, and arrested or worse killed !!!!!

This country would be strong still, if certain political parties and special interest groups,, would quit or stop selling us out,,,,

A country is only as good as its people and its morals,, and to sustain itself, it must have its own economy and manufacturing base,, to survive !!!!!!

If, your gonna sell off everything in your house,, and around your house,, pretty soon you'll be land locked in,,with no way out,, and left with an empty structure,, totally worthless to anybody but you !!!!!!

In otherwords,, we should quit selling off our manufacturing base and industry,, and keep it here at home,,to sustain ourselves, but there are certain factions within our political structure, who are only intersteaded in making themselves rich, with reckless disregard for the future for the country,, and only living to apease themselves at any cost, living for the moment at hand !!!!!!!

You wouldn't give your entire savings and retirement account to a neighbor down the street you don't know and trust them with it for many years would you ???????

It won't be there when you need it,, same for this situtation !!!!!!

For those of you who aren't in the know,, there is also now a plan,, to begin selling off Americas Interstate System,, stretchs of the Hi-Way to Foreign Investors,, so they can erect toll roads and profit from the amount of cars that pass thru the toll booths,,,,,

Now with that being said,,,how long do you think that that section of raod will be kept up, and able to drive on,,, I'd give it 3 to 5 years, and the revenue generated, will end up going everywhere,, but back into the Toll Road,, but, they'll have an excuse to Raise the Tolls,,,, and we're Naive enough to let them get by with it,, and it'll be so mis-managed its pathetic,,,,

Example,, just look at Bostons Big Dig Project, which had major cost over runs,, and parts of it are now shut down,, because of Improper Construction,,,, cutting cornors, because of Greed, that cost a woman her life last month !! Yes, build it here, keep it here and sell it here in America,, and the Tax base generated will lower other costs,, but when everything leaves,, and the Tax base starts to dry up,, they try to make up the difference in other ways.

Its poor thinking and Planning, upon our leaders, who think other wise, and its beginning to show !!!

Example: look at the push for NAFTA & GATT they tried pushing down our throats back in the 80s,, how it was going to benefit the Mexican people, and turn that country around,,,

Well if it was so good and such a Handsome deal,,,, why did so many millions of them risk their lives to try to come over here !!!! Obviously it was all just a Sham, for all parties involved,, because it ain't working, if it was they wouldn't be coming here by the thousands,, so we were lied to again by the powers that be and the Corporate powers who played on the Naive American public and the Mexican people !!!!!!

How much would an American-made television cost?

How about an American Manufactured cell phone? DVD player? mp3 player?

We can't even keep our tech support here. What makes you think manufacturing done in America is going to be competitive to what is available?

And are you willing to pay 5 times the amount just because it was "made in America"?

I'm just mad that I didn't buy oil stock after 9-11. I should have seen the writing on the wall with THAT one...

Well again all I ever hear about is cars and trucks, never about any of the Ocean-Going Super Freighters or Mega-Size Cruise Ships that consume hundreds and thousands of Gallons of fuel during their Voyages !!!! Lets not also forget, that these Ocean-Going freighters, are making these Voyages because,, everything is being made in CHINA, by cheap Slave Labor and being shipped to the US. We could help stop that, if we Americans and Public Officials would Quit buying things made in China,, then that would cut down on the Junk being shipped here by freighters and conserve fuel !!!!!!

Oil is a petroleum product, which is a nonrenewable resource, meaning it cannot be replaced as fast as it is being used. It takes billions of years for the earth to produce petroleum from dead animals and plants.
EVENTUALLY THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL!
What will society do then? By then it will be too late. Before that estimated 20 years is up, we are now leaning towards ethanol. We need to consider solar and wind power. If a car is covered in solar and wind cells which is connected to a stored generator, it can only run better the more you drive it. The reason why we don't have another means of fuel is because of these greedy oil companies fearing bankruptcy. Besides, they are partners with the EPA.

Thats what these Big Oil Companies are, Fraudsters,,low life scum of the Earth, oil sucking leeches !!!!

Thats what these Big Oil Companies are, Fraudsters,,low life scum of the Earth, oil sucking leeches !!!!

Thats what these Big Oil Companies are, Fraudsters,,low life scum of the Earth, oil sucking leeches !!!!

Thats what these Big Oil Companies are, Fraudsters,,low life scum of the Earth, oil sucking leeches !!!!