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Temp Troops of High-Tech
A submitter sends in this story about
temp work in Silicon Valley, from the point of view of the temp. Compare almost the same story written from the point of view of Amazon.com's management.
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that these big companies with their huge revenues can't give their lowest-payed staff a decent wage.
There should be some kind of income cap, like the top-paied executive can't earn more than 10x what the lowest paid worker in the company can.
Low wage jobs can be unpleasant. The managers there frequently have no training in how to work with people. Production oriented jobs like the one described in the article are often focused on keeping the line moving.
And yet, these people choose to work there for $8 an hour. This is their choice. They also opt to live in one of the most expensive places in the world. This too is a choice.
Before you pound on me for being heartless, it may be important to note that I have passed through that place, as well. I come from a poor family in an economically depressed area.
I have worked as a laborer doing back-breaking work by the sweat of my brow. I have also worked in mall jobs that were production oriented. "No talking! You're here to work, not have fun!" I have worked in food service as a busboy and waiter for long hours and late nights.
It was my experience in those places that motivated me to get my education. Without those jobs, I would not have chosen to finish school.
People can go to school, even while working a low-wage job. I did it, my parents did it in their 40's, and YOU can do it, too.
If it's too expensive where you live, MOVE to somewhere cheaper. Don't want to move? Be creative, find a way to make it work. Don't want to do that? Then accept the fact that you will work that kind of job for the rest of your days.
The future is in your hands. Repeat after me: "If it's to be, it's up to me. If it's to be, it's up to me. If it's to be....."
But Herr Heisenberg, how does the electron know when I'm looking?
If you are easily replaceable, that's your own damn fault. The fact that there are those willing to replace you means that the job, however foul to you, is desirable to others.
If you put in two weeks of work and don't get the check in time it's your own damn fault.
If your manager bullshits to you about the check until you're kicked out by your landlord for not paying the rent it's your damn fault.
The company's goal is to make a profit. It is not to honor a contract - with some drone who can't afford a lawyer.
My little libertarian friends, tie your feet to the chair legs and spare the knee-jerk responses.
Considered harmful.
This remark seems to beautifully illustrate what Marx meant in Capital about how the industrial revolution turns the worker into a mere appendage of the machine. The "New Economy" looks a lot like the old one.