Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.

Our Goals

Higher wages for underpaid workers.
Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
Better and fewer working hours.
Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

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1923

Bernie Sanders Champions 32-Hour Work Week With No Loss in Pay (www.commondreams.org)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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As part of his Labor Day message to workers in the United States, Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday re-upped his call for the establishment of a 20% cut to the workweek with no loss in pay—an idea he said is "not radical" given the enormous productivity gains over recent decades that have resulted in massive profits for corporations but scraps for employees and the working class.

"It's time for a 32-hour workweek with no loss in pay," Sanders wrote in a Guardian op-ed as he cited a 480% increase in worker productivity since the 40-hour workweek was first established in 1940.

"It's time," he continued, "that working families were able to take advantage of the increased productivity that new technologies provide so that they can enjoy more leisure time, family time, educational and cultural opportunities—and less stress."

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Would this include a 25% increase to hourly minimums? Because otherwise it only benefits salaried employees.

And what about workers who are paid by productivity and not time? Salespersons on commission, servers receiving tips, ride-share drivers?

I'm all for a 32-hour work-week; that's what I have myself. But let's not pretend this would be enough, or that the main beneficiaries are he working class.

[–] [email protected] 49 points 1 year ago

"No loss in pay" as far as I can interpret it would mean getting paid the same for working 32 hours as you would have for working 40, yes

The autoworkers union the article refers to as an example is seeking a 46% pay rise to coincide with the transition to 32 hours.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My concern is the small business owners.

Massive corps - absolutely. Small mom and pop stores, 3-5 employee business... less inclined.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Save your tears.

The reason businesses exist is for owners to gain wealth from the labor of their workers.

No one is required to own a business.

Anyone not liking such a position may become a worker like the rest of us.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

And then what happens when everyone chooses to be a worker?

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I am not expecting business owners to choose to be workers.

I am noting that owning a business is a choice.

The reason for choosing to be a business owner is to gain profit from the labor of others.

Business owners are not heroes, and neither are they victims.

Save your tears, and support workers.