How would I advise somone how to handle this issue?

Wow. Some diverse answers already. Strange stuff.

You don't specify where you fall in this particular Soldier's chain of command, so I'm going to assume that you are probably at the FLL or PSG level.

As far as the wage thing goes...not much you can do about it. If wages are lower across the board for Commissary employees, that's just the case. The Commissary is regulated by a federal agency, and employees are paid on a set scale. I don't agree with it, but I don't see where you are going to be able to do much about it.

As far as the higher cost of living thing goes, the Army doesn't care about that as far as what a spouce makes. Your Soldier's paycheck reflects an allowance to offset the higher cost of living where you live. I think that the terminology might have changed, but when I was in stationed in Germany, it was called COLA. In 1992 when the dollar was in the toilet as compared to the Deutschmark, we were getting HUGE COLAs to compensate.

As far as the "head bagger" thing goes...I think you have something there you might want to look into. As a courtesey and in the interest of taking care of Soldiers, I would consider calling and asking to speak with the commissary manager (I don't think they have OIC's anymore, but they might)...and find out the policy on baggers and how they get on board. If this "head bagger" thing is true for your particular Commissary, I would perhaps ask if this is a policy that is in writing. If it's not, I would perhaps take it through your chain of command up a little higher to see where it goes.

This is pure conjecture on my part, but I know a number of kids that bag at the commissary on the post I work as a civilian. I know that there is a definite "food chain" and baggers have to work their way up it to get the prime shifts, etc. As far as I can tell, it's not very regulated, but the ability to work for cash draws a LOT of folks to that particular job.

Anyway, good luck.

Contact the head office at DECA and see if the head bagger thing is legal or just a scam. The bagger position is an all volunteer position and you are an independent contractor and work for yourself. You need to wear a number that is registered with the store you work at so they know who is working at any given time. I think that is a scam so get the guys name and report it to DECA. The store manager in Germany may or may not know about the $6 tip thing, but if you want quick action go directly through DECA. If he is not allowed to do what he is doing I would go back and look at all the money and days I gave the guy the money and demand that he pay me back. The cashier pay thing is something that I think you just have to deal with, but you can ask DECA that question too. Go to the DECA website for contact info.

http://www.commissaries.com/

That needs to be taken to the officer in charge of the commissary. That doesn't sound right at all. The baggers work for tips, period. If the "head bagger" doesn't work, he still gets paid. He is either on the commissary payroll (I don't think so), or he's a bagger. I would advise the spouse to go the commissary OIC and ask. If they (OIC) says that it is standard practice, demand to see it in writing. If neither can be produced, refuse to pay the "head bagger". Ensure that the daughter keeps track of the hours she works so that if she files a complaint later she can justify it.

Germany has fostered its economic growth by keeping wages low over the last four years. This is an economic trend specific to this country. It has to do with EU compliance. This is explained in great detail in the issue of The Economist celebrating 50 Years of the EU. However, I think the greater problem question is why do soldier's wives have to work? As an American I think this is a disgrace. If the USA does not compensate its soldiers fairly and adequately, then this is a national issue which must be addressed. I would definitely take your story to the press. Most Americans would be outraged and demand action from Congress.

I'm sorry that you feel that your religion and other people's opinions should direct you in your love life. With the obvious sexual tensions rising, you will have to deal with it. I don't want to make this choice harder for you, but for 2 first-time lesbians, it is possible that the experience will not go as you may have imagined thus scaring you out of being curious. Or it could be better than you hoped and pave a new path of experiences for you. In my opinion, don't let what other people say or think hinder your choices for possible happiness. (its because of self conscious people like this that this subject is even an issue of radical debate) I say indulge in the pleasure when its offered and see where it takes you, what it has to teach you. It may clear up the tendencies, or it can make you realize who you are. I fell hard for my co-worker after a few rounds of harmless flirting and we had an awesome time together. We aren't an item now but we are still great friends.

Its called graft and corruption developed over the years to benefit the few at the cost of the many. Probably little you can do about it. When I was in Germany at Bitburg, the only ones allowed to work as baggers were German nationals and they had a set rate for bagging and delivery. So times have changed but I see that money changing hands for favors has not.

I used to live in germany and bag for tips on base and i made tons of money as a highschooler. however, the wages are pretty unfair for baggers that are trying to make a living but let me shed some light on the situation. I lived in vilseck and everyone for the most part stayed in quarters and the people that lived on the economy were given BAQ/BAH for cost of living expenses. i think that the only issue you are having is the sheer monetary value of the wages not the issues with living and welfare. AFFESS(spelling) regulates its wages on this fact...hope this helps

If they work for tips only, they shouldn't have to give up any money!! Who came up with that idea, the "head bagger"!! What a loser!! It's pretty sad when someone has to pay money to someone else out of their hard earned wages to keep their job!! I'd tell him to stuff it you know where!!!!

Just be lucky its not Okinawa!!! The little old Japanese guys get worse. Anyway, it's a base job, what more do you really expect. I'm sure if she really tried, she could find a decent job off base in Germany that pays really well. I'm sure tons of businesses need enlgish speaking people especially around an Army Base! As for the daughter, how old is she!?! She should try babysitting then, cause what other jobs could actually be available to her anyway?!?!

As far as I know, thats how it works here in the states, too.

Maybe help them find new jobs? Perhaps AAFES treats their employees better.