Robert Reich: Don't believe corporate America's "labor shortage" bull

[ck4829]

For the first time in years, American workers have enough bargaining leverage to demand better working conditions and higher wages – and are refusing to work until they get them.

Here's where that leverage comes from. After a year and a half of the pandemic, consumers have pent-up demand for all sorts of goods and services. But employers are finding it hard to fill positions to meet that demand.

The most recent jobs report showed the number of job openings at a record high. The share of people working or looking for work has dropped to a near-record low 61.6 percent. In August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs, the highest quit rate since 2000.

Republicans have been claiming for months that people aren't getting back to work because of federal unemployment benefits. Rubbish.

https://www.salon.com/2021/10/25/dont-believe-corporate-americas-labor-shortage-bullst_partner/

[Stallion]

1. What are the Effects of Ongoing Immigration Restrictions on the Labor Shortage?

has that been studied?

[Amishman]

4. not sure if its been studied, but corporate america is screaming to be able to bring in cheap labor

They want their indentured servant H1B workers that they can abuse and overwork without fear of them leaving for another job.

[SWBTATTReg]

2. Good write up by Mr. Reich...I liked especially when he said...

Corporate America is trying to frame this as a "labor shortage."

But what's really happening is more accurately described as a living-wage shortage, a hazard pay shortage, a childcare shortage, a paid sick leave shortage, and a health care shortage.

Unless these shortages are rectified, this unofficial general strike will continue.

I say it's about time.

[Johnny2X2X]

3. Retirements and stay at home parenting too

A lot of people retired rather than return to work. Other people decided one person home raising the children was best and decided to go it with 1 bread earner. The rest are just holding out for better pay and benefits.

[lindysalsagal]

5. The rich get richer, the poor refuse to make their pizza.

Clean their office, deliver their parts, babysit their kids, stock the shelves, drive the trucks, teach their kids....

[Mr. Ected]

6. 3 step process

1. Get rid of immigrants.

2. Offer their wages to whomever is left.

3. Blame lazy Americans and Joe Biden when the inevitable occurs.

[Xolodno]

7. Its a cheap labor shortage to be exact.

People got better skills during the down time, started their own business, moved to more affordable areas, realized they didn't need a lot, decided to retire, etc. The pandemic broke a vicious cycle.

The economy changed and many in corporate echelons refuse to believe it and don't know what to do. The thought they themselves will have to take a pay cut must terrify them.