4 ms·

I don't understand comments like this. Employers are trying to pay as little as possible, with some exceptions, ie. in some cases are willing to pay for "talent

I don't understand comments like this. Employers are trying to pay as little as possible, with some exceptions, ie. in some cases are willing to pay for "talent" and in demand skills. Even with some lower level jobs, some employers are waking up to the idea that paying the bare minimum has drawbacks, and they get some value by paying essential workers. So they're not generally in the business of carefully ensuring they don't make the "mistake" of underpaying their employees. If they're underpaying that's a good thing, with some exceptions. And just how are we supposed vet and/or collect data on employee housing? I don't want that. I want us to work on fixing the housing market, and employers to offer remote work options. I want more flexible hours and vacation time. We need cultural standards and legislation to protect against these things.

runarberg 5y ago
Generally bosses have more control over their workers wages then the housing market. It is unrealistic to expect your bosses to provide cheaper housing. It is much easier to expect your bosses to pay you a living wage. > And just how are we supposed vet and/or collect data on employee housing? First step is to ask them. Second step is to go to your local government agency that collects data on housing prices and rent values. And third step is to check the prices your self by inspecting rent ads that disclose the price. > I don't understand comments like this [...] If they're underpaying that's a good thing. Only from the perspective of the boss. Put your self in the shoe of a worker and then perhaps you can begin to understand what the parent means. Workers also have bargaining power through collective bargaining. The longer bosses pay us lower then what we deserve, the more we will collectivize. A workers union will eventually form and you have to pay us a living wage anyway. In the meantime you must deal with us quitting, calling in sick, striking, advising your potential workers against working for you, etc.
- eitland 5y ago
  > It is unrealistic to expect your bosses to provide cheaper housing. It is much easier to expect your bosses to pay you a living wage. I wouldn't be so sure about that. An example: The company I work for pay my broadband bill as does most IT companies. Now my broadband provider is also my TV provider. They have of course noted this so guess what: they kept sliding the split between broadband and TV cost until it was ridiculous[1]. Guess what I think will happen if it becomes well known that employers pay for hosting? Prices will go through the roof. [1]: That was last year. Last I checked I now pay $0.6 for the broadband and $90 for TV. I haven't figured out why this is but I guess financial incentives at some level.

runarberg 5y ago

Generally bosses have more control over their workers wages then the housing market. It is unrealistic to expect your bosses to provide cheaper housing. It is much easier to expect your bosses to pay you a living wage. > And just how are we supposed vet and/or collect data on employee housing? First step is to ask them. Second step is to go to your local government agency that collects data on housing prices and rent values. And third step is to check the prices your self by inspecting rent ads that disclose the price. > I don't understand comments like this [...] If they're underpaying that's a good thing. Only from the perspective of the boss. Put your self in the shoe of a worker and then perhaps you can begin to understand what the parent means. Workers also have bargaining power through collective bargaining. The longer bosses pay us lower then what we deserve, the more we will collectivize. A workers union will eventually form and you have to pay us a living wage anyway. In the meantime you must deal with us quitting, calling in sick, striking, advising your potential workers against working for you, etc.

eitland 5y ago
> It is unrealistic to expect your bosses to provide cheaper housing. It is much easier to expect your bosses to pay you a living wage. I wouldn't be so sure about that. An example: The company I work for pay my broadband bill as does most IT companies. Now my broadband provider is also my TV provider. They have of course noted this so guess what: they kept sliding the split between broadband and TV cost until it was ridiculous[1]. Guess what I think will happen if it becomes well known that employers pay for hosting? Prices will go through the roof. [1]: That was last year. Last I checked I now pay $0.6 for the broadband and $90 for TV. I haven't figured out why this is but I guess financial incentives at some level.