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> UBI is not fixing the underlying problem. I disagree entirely. The practical and moral reason why it's difficult to fire workers is because it generally resu
by coffeecat 5y ago
> UBI is not fixing the underlying problem.
I disagree entirely. The practical and moral reason why it's difficult to fire workers is because it generally results in the worker losing his income and healthcare, leading to personal and familial hardship. If healthcare were de-coupled from employment, then the hardship experienced by a fired worker is reduced. If some amount of income is de-coupled from employment, then the hardship experienced by a fired worker is further reduced (unemployment insurance works fine enough as a temporary band-aid, but it's not the real deal).
If we can get enough social infrastructure in place so that fired workers experience minimal hardship, then it becomes morally acceptable to make our government and companies more efficient, by laying off inefficient or unnecessary workers. Society then gets to equitably reap the rewards of this increased efficiency.
- WorldMaker 5y agoRelatedly, in theory it also makes it much easier for a worker in a "local maxima" of doing a job they dislike inefficiently so long as checks get cleared more of an incentive to quit on their own decision and find a better personal "efficiency" for their labor if they feel much more comfortable that they have a safety net if they decide to seek new options.
- CalRobert 5y agoI like my job well enough and it pays well, but I eye climate.careers and my own side project meant to help address climate breakdown every day. Yet I also have bills to pay and kids to feed, so they languish. This would help.
- anonporridge 5y agoAlong the same lines, it also (in theory) helps non bread winners in abusive domestic relationships leave the relationship, since they have a static income stream tied to themselves rather than being 100% dependent on their partner.
- InitialLastName 5y agoAlong similar lines, it also reduces the risk of quitting to follow some entrepreneurial venture, potentially boosting innovation in addition to adding a force pushing the market towards decentralization, which is probably a good thing.
- systemvoltage 5y agoOf course, give them a chance to improve. Shift them to another position if they show curiosity or initiative. Obviously, if you think all people in the workforce are benevolent actors who deserve nothing but praise - you're deluded. There are people that weigh in on the rest of the team, ruin the culture and talk behind others' back. They're the troublemakers and should be fired.