spuriousmonkey said:
That is what I mean by skewed relationship. The 'natural' state of the employer/employee relationship is a biased one. Biased towards the employer.
The employer is the one taking the risk. They are the one fronting the capital to even make the attempt to earn a profit. Should they then be at the mercy of their employees?
Once again, the word company or corporation comes up and everyone starts thinking of the huge mega-corporations. Here are some facts:
Small businesses (<500 employees):
Represent more than 99% of all employers.
Employ 52% of private-sector workers, 51% of workers on public assistance, and 38% of workers in high-tech occupations.
Represent nearly all of the self-employed, which are 7.2% of the civilian work force.
Provide about 75% of the net new jobs.
Provide 51% of the private sector output.
Represent 96% of all exporters of goods.
That is why many people fought hard for rights we all now take for granted but are slowly being eroded away.
Federal laws are constantly being passed to give more protections to employees and I've yet to see any repealed. So specifically what "erosion" are you referring to because I do believe you're talking out of your ass.
If you leave things unchecked life for most people will turn into a living hell. Just look at any 3rd world country.
The state of "3rd" world nations is most certainly not due to corporate influence.
Employers lock up their workers in the factory. Factory burns down. Employees burn down with the factory.
An excessive example? No, it happens. Maybe it will happen to you soon. You think it cannot happen?
Yes, I know it cannot happen. Not here, because we have laws to prevent such things. When they repeal OSHA then I'll start to worry. As of now OSHA makes sure I have safety goggles because laptops use batteries.
If we think that there is a safe equilibrium then we should think about the long term picture.
There is no safe equilibrium anywhere, what fantasy are you living in?
But what about in 10 years time. What about 50 years? Do you honestly think things will remain in an equilibrium if there is no counterforce to the demands of business? It took a hard and long battle to get any rights at all. And it is all going down the drain. How long can it last?
Again, where are things "going down the drain"? where is this assault on our hard-won rights as employees coming from? How are the corporations unbalancing this illusory equilibrium you're talking about?
~Raithere
P.S. Political economics in the Religion forum... gotta love it.