The Decline of Work

Work is an integral part of our lives, but is it getting worse? In today's rapidly evolving world, we often assume that progress leads to better conditions for each new generation. However, a closer look reveals a concerning trend in the quality of work across various critical aspects. Let's delve into the reasons behind this downward trajectory.

One of the most apparent indicators of job quality is income. Unfortunately, wages have not kept pace with productivity. While workers today are producing more goods and services per hour than ever before, their hourly pay has only increased by a mere nine percent since the 1970s. In stark contrast, the top one percent has seen their wages skyrocket by a staggering 138 percent. This income disparity has cost middle-class families an average of $18,000 per year, significantly impacting their financial stability.

Moreover, the declining job quality becomes even more evident when we consider the overall economic landscape. Despite claims of economic growth, the average pre-tax income for the bottom 50 percent of the population has decreased by over six percent since 1980. This decrease becomes even more burdensome when coupled with rising living costs and reduced benefits.

Essential expenses like healthcare and education have become increasingly burdensome, as employers have cut down on benefits and shifted responsibilities onto individuals. The result is a society where people need to take on more debt to meet their basic needs, with the average American carrying a whopping $90,000 of debt.

Furthermore, the length of our working lives has also been impacted. While working hours have remained relatively stagnant, wages have decreased in real terms, and personal expenses have surged due to the erosion of social services. As a consequence, the average retirement age has increased from 62 to 65, with plans even proposed to further delay retirement eligibility. These policies disproportionately affect poorer Americans who rely on social security benefits and are more likely to pass away before reaching retirement age.

Job security is another crucial aspect that has significantly declined. More and more people are being drawn into precarious work arrangements, characterized by irregular hours, contract-based employment, and reduced protections. Gig economy companies like Uber have perpetuated the idea that these arrangements provide flexibility, but in reality, they offer little job security, minimal benefits, and limited legal protections for workers. The prevalence of such jobs is alarming, with 53 percent of individuals aged 18 to 34 relying on gig economy work as their primary source of income.

The consequences of these trends are bleak. The inherent insecurity of these jobs contributes to heightened anxiety among workers, with 80 percent of U.S. workers expressing concerns about job loss. Faced with the fear of unemployment, many employees exercise wage restraint, refraining from requesting pay raises despite their financial needs. Neo-liberal politicians further perpetuate this wage restraint behavior by misleadingly linking wages and inflation, discouraging workers from advocating for better compensation.

Regrettably, the decline in job quality does not spare younger generations. Child labor laws, which were established to protect the rights and safety of children, are increasingly being weakened across the country. Reports indicate that violations of child labor protections are on the rise. Legislation in various states has eliminated age verification requirements, lifted restrictions on hazardous work, and extended working hours for minors. Shockingly, children as young as 14 are found working in agriculture, often enduring dangerous conditions and earning less than minimum wage.

Examining France's experience provides further insight into intensifying work conditions. Despite advancements in technology that were expected to ease labor burdens, the percentage of French workers with physically and mentally strenuous jobs has significantly increased. If these trends are comparable to the U.S., it suggests that American workers are facing more demanding roles than ever before.

One common thread linking all these issues is the shifting balance of power from workers to capitalists. With increasing power, capitalists extract more profit from workers, leading to deteriorating job conditions. Unionization rates have drastically declined, further diminishing the collective bargaining power of employees. To improve work quality durably, a shift towards collective autonomy in economic decision-making is necessary, allowing workers to escape the cycle of profit generation for a select few.

In conclusion, the declining quality of work is a pressing issue that demands attention. Income inequality, reduced benefits, precarious employment, and weakened labor protections all contribute to a challenging work environment. Recognizing these issues is the first step toward advocating for change and ensuring a better future for all workers.