• PowerCrazy@lemmy.ml
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    5 months ago

    If the labor force could opt out of the rat race because they didn’t have to work, then they gives them immense power especially considering what they have now. Of course the necessities would have to be controlled in a not-for-profit manner so that you can’t just have some land baron that adjusts the cost of rent and food upward to ensure it eats up all the UBI, same with utilities/internet/etc.

    But for consumerist goods that people want because they enhance life, if people could realistically withhold their labor unless the capitalist offered equity etc in industries that produced those things, you would quickly see the power of the leaders of those industries wane significantly.

    • barsquid@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Yes. All the free market economy guys are making assumptions about efficient markets and infinite choices, but none of that is true. But the reality is laborers don’t even have the ability to leave a shitty job even with alternatives available, like just interviewing would use up a precious sick day or cost them hours of wage.

      • AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        For most jobs in the US you’d be burning a sick day and losing hours of wages. Most jobs in the US do not pay you for sick days, they just don’t use that as an excuse to fire you.