> How would a basic income impact workers and firms in this context? It would surely protect workers against the economic harms of unemployment and underemploym

> How would a basic income impact workers and firms in this context? It would surely protect workers against the economic harms of unemployment and underemployment by giving them unconditional resources, and it would enable them to bargain for higher wages and to refuse terrible jobs. But a basic income would do little to reduce corporate power, which is a function not just of wealth but of the ability of firms to structure work relationships however they wish when countervailing institutions—such as a powerful regulatory state—are absent or ineffective. Yes, a basic income would make it easier for workers to organize and demand reforms—Andy Stern dubbed it “the ultimate permanent strike fund”—but the threat of termination or retaliation would still prevent many workers from protesting or striking in the first place. What? The threat of termination/retaliation is exactly what UBI would prevent. Or are we talking about mafia-style retaliation? In that case, it's not UBI that is the problem.