Robert Reich: American Workers Are on Strike Over 'Low-Wage S*** Jobs'

[Slartibartfast]

U.S. Workers Are on Strike Over 'Low-Wage S*** Jobs'—Ex-Secretary of Labor

Low job take-up is not a result of a labor shortage, the former labor secretary argues, but American workers demanding better wages and childcare support.

www.newsweek.com

"In reality, there's a living wage shortage, a hazard pay shortage, a childcare shortage, a paid sick leave shortage, and a health care shortage – and American workers are demanding an end to all these shortages. Or they won't return to work."

Among other aggravating factors, BLS' report highlighted parents struggling to return to the workplace as a result of high childcare fees.

Reich added that since the COVID-19 pandemic, some workers retired, found other income or "simply don't want to return to backbreaking, low-wage s*** jobs."

It appears the general population is starting to react to the shrinking middle class in this new way.

 

[ttwtt78640]

When the “safety net” is so generous that it offers serious competition (an alternative?) to ‘low wage’ work, the problem might not be the existence of ‘low wage’ work (capable of attracting millions of ‘undocumented’ foreign workers) - it might be that the “safety net” has simply become too generous.

 

[bongsaway]

When the “safety net” is so generous that it offers serious competition (an alternative?) to ‘low wage’ work, the problem might not be the existence of ‘low wage’ work (capable of attracting millions of ‘undocumented’ foreign workers) - it might be that the “safety net” has simply become too generous.

I think it proves the wages are way too low, as half of america already knows. I do not understand folks who have no problem with hundreds of billions being spent of the military each and every year but have a problem with the federal government spending money on we the people?

 

[Slartibartfast]

When the “safety net” is so generous that it offers serious competition (an alternative?) to ‘low wage’ work, the problem might not be the existence of ‘low wage’ work (capable of attracting millions of ‘undocumented’ foreign workers) - it might be that the “safety net” has simply become too generous.

In states where the safety net has been scaled back, there have been no measurable changes.

Remember, this is an economy where we aren't having children because of the cost too.

 

[ttwtt78640]

I think it proves the wages are way too low, as half of america already knows. I do not understand folks who have no problem with hundreds of billions being spent of the military each and every year but have a problem with the federal government spending money on we the people?

Hmm… that seems to favor offering a federal ‘paycheck’ to those US citizens who would rather have immigrants (legal or not) take those lower wage jobs.

State and local governments are capable of raising the MW (above the federal level) and many have done so. Oddly, the places with the highest MW are also those with the highest housing costs and ‘homeless’ populations.

 

[ttwtt78640]

In states where the safety net has been scaled back, there have been no measurable changes.

Remember, this is an economy where we aren't having children because of the cost too.

Hmm… which states have scaled back federal “safety net” programs?

 

[Slartibartfast]

Hmm… which states have scaled back federal “safety net” programs?

U.S. states ending federal unemployment benefit saw no clear job gains

U.S. states putting an early end to federal unemployment benefits saw a larger jump in local labor supply in June than those planning to maintain the $300 weekly supplement until early September, new data show, though there was no clear sign ithad led to significantly more hiring.

www.reuters.com

States That Cut Unemployment Benefits Saw Limited Impact on Job Growth

Half of U.S. states ended enhanced unemployment insurance payments early ahead of nationwide termination of benefits for millions of people.

www.wsj.com

This is what is motivating the change

3 reasons there's a labor shortage, according to Biden's labor secretary

"Some people have just decided to walk away from the industry they're working in, and they're thinking about what's next for them," Secretary Walsh said.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[washunut]

U.S. Workers Are on Strike Over 'Low-Wage S*** Jobs'—Ex-Secretary of Labor

Low job take-up is not a result of a labor shortage, the former labor secretary argues, but American workers demanding better wages and childcare support.

www.newsweek.com

"In reality, there's a living wage shortage, a hazard pay shortage, a childcare shortage, a paid sick leave shortage, and a health care shortage – and American workers are demanding an end to all these shortages. Or they won't return to work."

Among other aggravating factors, BLS' report highlighted parents struggling to return to the workplace as a result of high childcare fees.

Reich added that since the COVID-19 pandemic, some workers retired, found other income or "simply don't want to return to backbreaking, low-wage s*** jobs."

It appears the general population is starting to react to the shrinking middle class in this new way.

Who here is shocked that the middle class has shrunk after we sent many of their jobs overseas? So the real question is how do we fix the mistake we made over decades. Seems like many aspire to have a large underclass supported by government aping Europe.

 

[bongsaway]

Hmm… that seems to favor offering a federal ‘paycheck’ to those US citizens who would rather have immigrants (legal or not) take those lower wage jobs.

State and local governments are capable of raising the MW (above the federal level) and many have done so. Oddly, the places with the highest MW are also those with the highest housing costs and ‘homeless’ populations.

Oh please, go to iowa and see just how many of these ranchers and farmers have non registered workers. Do you think the wealthy who have folks mowing their lawn who aren't white ask them if they are here legally? Most of the new homes built in america use under the radar workers. If we really wanted to stop the immigration problem, we would go after employers who use these folks for profit and screw other americans in the process out of decent jobs because the owners refuse to pay a living wage.

 

[Slartibartfast]

Who here is shocked that the middle class has shrunk after we sent many of their jobs overseas? So the real question is how do we fix the mistake we made over decades. Seems like many aspire to have a large underclass supported by government aping Europe.

The recent supply chain fiasco has me agreeing with you somewhat, per the bolded part.

 

[Mycroft]

Who here is shocked that the middle class has shrunk after we sent many of their jobs overseas? So the real question is how do we fix the mistake we made over decades. Seems like many aspire to have a large underclass supported by government aping Europe.

Trump had an overall plan to fix that mistake that you speak of. Unfortunately, the globalists...the ones who profit from that "mistake"...and their paid minions...Congressional Elites...opposed Trump and his plan at every turn.

And now, with the Biden puppet masters, we are right back where we were before Trump came along. (and they are desperately trying to make up for lost time)

 

[ttwtt78640]

U.S. states ending federal unemployment benefit saw no clear job gains

U.S. states putting an early end to federal unemployment benefits saw a larger jump in local labor supply in June than those planning to maintain the $300 weekly supplement until early September, new data show, though there was no clear sign ithad led to significantly more hiring.

www.reuters.com

States That Cut Unemployment Benefits Saw Limited Impact on Job Growth

Half of U.S. states ended enhanced unemployment insurance payments early ahead of nationwide termination of benefits for millions of people.

www.wsj.com

This is what is motivating the change

3 reasons there's a labor shortage, according to Biden's labor secretary

"Some people have just decided to walk away from the industry they're working in, and they're thinking about what's next for them," Secretary Walsh said.

www.businessinsider.com

Maybe, we should try lifting restrictions which prevent folks from returning to work, rather than adding more of them.

Another thing to consider is that only ‘on the books’ income is used to reduce “safety net” benefits (or subject to federal payroll/income taxation) - perhaps that is why the IRS is seeking to monitor the banking records of those ‘rich enough’ to have *gasp* $600/year in bank account activity.

 

[DarkWizard12]

I think it proves the wages are way too low, as half of america already knows. I do not understand folks who have no problem with hundreds of billions being spent of the military each and every year but have a problem with the federal government spending money on we the people?

then why do so many illegal immigrants want to take these jobs then? Am I to think that an illegal immigrant has more work ethic than an american who is born here?

 

[Slartibartfast]

Maybe, we should try lifting restrictions which prevent folks from returning to work, rather than adding more of them.

What restrictions are you thinking of?

Another thing to consider is that only ‘on the books’ income is used to reduce “safety net” benefits (or subject to federal payroll/income taxation) - perhaps that is why the IRS is seeking to monitor the banking records of those ‘rich enough’ to have *gasp* $600/year in bank account activity.

I STRONGLY suspect there is a lot of under the table work since the pandemic started.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

Trump had an overall plan to fix that mistake that you speak of.

He had a "plan" for healthcare and a "plan" for infrastructure too.

Oh, and also a "plan" to defeat President Biden.

Problem is: none of that happened.

 

[Nomad4Ever]

Who here is shocked that the middle class has shrunk after we sent many of their jobs overseas? So the real question is how do we fix the mistake we made over decades. Seems like many aspire to have a large underclass supported by government aping Europe.

We automated away a huge amount of jobs as well. No amount of trade policy will bring those back and we are only going to automate manufacturing more.

 

[Slartibartfast]

We automated away a huge amount of jobs as well. No amount of trade policy will bring those back and we are only going to automate manufacturing more.

Yup, right now the best way to have job security is to have a job that either requires creativity, being good at human relationships, or situational expertise.

 

[ttwtt78640]

Oh please, go to iowa and see just how many of these ranchers and farmers have non registered workers. Do you think the wealthy who have folks mowing their lawn who aren't white ask them if they are here legally? Most of the new homes built in america use under the radar workers. If we really wanted to stop the immigration problem, we would go after employers who use these folks for profit and screw other americans in the process out of decent jobs because the owners refuse to pay a living wage.

You are absolutely correct. Immigrant labor (legal or not) is a major factor in keeping US wages lower than they otherwise would be. Most of the non-US citizens are unable to take full advantage of “safety net” programs, yet they are still much better off living and working in the US than they would be remaining in their homelands.

 

[Loulit01]

then why do so many illegal immigrants want to take these jobs then? Am I to think that an illegal immigrant has more work ethic than an american who is born here?

Hell yes!

 

[ttwtt78640]

then why do so many illegal immigrants want to take these jobs then? Am I to think that an illegal immigrant has more work ethic than an american who is born here?

Nope, non-US citizens legal or not have less opportunity to qualify for “safety net” assistance, thus must work. Of course, their US born offspring are able to qualify for all manner of “safety net” assistance.

 

[DarkWizard12]

Hell yes!

aaaaand why should i think that? If you're saying that mexican workers who are brought here illegally by corporations to be exploited for labour are superior to american workers, then that sounds kinda racist.

American workers and Mexican workers are the same people, there's no difference between us. If american labourers aren't working in certain jobs, then maybe there's something wrong here. Maybe certain populations are being exploited and enslaved, at the cost of both their well being, and the well being of american labour.

 

[danielpalos]

U.S. Workers Are on Strike Over 'Low-Wage S*** Jobs'—Ex-Secretary of Labor

Low job take-up is not a result of a labor shortage, the former labor secretary argues, but American workers demanding better wages and childcare support.

www.newsweek.com

"In reality, there's a living wage shortage, a hazard pay shortage, a childcare shortage, a paid sick leave shortage, and a health care shortage – and American workers are demanding an end to all these shortages. Or they won't return to work."

Among other aggravating factors, BLS' report highlighted parents struggling to return to the workplace as a result of high childcare fees.

Reich added that since the COVID-19 pandemic, some workers retired, found other income or "simply don't want to return to backbreaking, low-wage s*** jobs."

It appears the general population is starting to react to the shrinking middle class in this new way.

Proof, the minimum wage cannot be zero?

 

[ttwtt78640]

What restrictions are you thinking of?

Vaccine passports/mandates.

I STRONGLY suspect there is a lot of under the table work since the pandemic started.

Yep, and before that as well. The way many “safety net” programs are structured, $2 of additional ‘on the books’ income reduces “safety net” benefits by $1. That creates a situation where any ‘on the books’ income nets only 1/2 the nominal hourly wage - often resulting in working for less (net) than the MW. ‘Off the books’ income is thus a great alternative (opportunity?) even if it pays slightly less than the (nominal) hourly MW.

 

[Loulit01]

aaaaand why should i think that? If you're saying that mexican workers who are brought here illegally by corporations to be exploited for labour are superior to american workers, then that sounds kinda racist.

On what planet does that bear the slightest resemblance to anything I've ever said?

American workers and Mexican workers are the same people, there's no difference between us. If american labourers aren't working in certain jobs, then maybe there's something wrong here. Maybe certain populations are being exploited and enslaved, at the cost of both their well being, and the well being of american labour.

Duh.

 

[DarkWizard12]

On what planet does that bear the slightest resemblance to anything I've ever said?

I thought you were affirming the idea that Illegal immigrants do have more work ethic than americans, which i just don't buy. I think illegal immigrants are more exploited, which is independent of any kind of work ethic they may or may not have.