This episode, featuring labor reporter Steve Greenhouse, dissects the decline of American worker power and compensation since WWII, attributing it to globalization, the internet, and the gig economy. It provides concrete examples of worker exploitation, such as DoorDash's alleged tip-stealing and Facebook's content moderation practices. The discussion extends to critically examining Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposals, particularly Andrew Yang's, emphasizing the imperative of worker inclusion in shaping the future of AI and labor policies.
Key takeaways
Worker power and compensation are at historic lows due to globalization, the internet, and the gig economy; businesses should consider the long-term impact of these trends on their workforce and operations.
Examples like DoorDash's tip-stealing and Facebook's content moderation issues highlight systemic worker exploitation; businesses should audit their practices to ensure ethical treatment of employees and contractors.
UBI proposals, like Andrew Yang's, need critical examination, as they may not fully address worker needs; businesses and policymakers should collaborate with labor representatives to develop more comprehensive solutions.
The rise of AI necessitates worker involvement in policy discussions to avoid further erosion of worker rights and ensure a fair transition in the future of work.
The episode underscores the shifting dynamics between technology, labor, and economic inequality, urging businesses to consider their role in fostering a more equitable and sustainable labor market.
The episode discusses how employers are leveraging globalization and technology without considering the long-term effects on the labor force and their buying power as consumers.
Former New York Times labor reporter Steve Greenhouse talks with Recode's Kara Swisher about his most recent book, Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor. Greenhouse explains why worker power and compensation are at their lowest levels since World War II and how a series of cultural changes — including globalization, the internet, and the gig economy — have affected and endangered the working class. He and Swisher also discuss DoorDash's long-running practice of stealing tips, Facebook's inshoring of offensive content moderation to poorly managed contractors, and the problems with universal basic income proposals made by people like presidential candidate Andrew Yang.
Featuring:
Steve Greenhouse, former labor reporter, New York Times (@greenhousenyt)
Host:
Kara Swisher (@karaswisher), Recode co-founder and editor-at-large More to explore:
Subscribe for free to Pivot, Kara’s podcast with NYU Professor Scott Galloway that offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics.
About Recode by Vox:
Recode by Vox helps you understand how tech is changing the world — and changing us.
Follow Us:
Newsletter: Recode Daily
Twitter: @Recode and @voxdotcom
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Worker power and compensation are at historic lows due to globalization, the internet, and the gig economy; businesses should consider the long-term impact of these trends on their workforce and operations.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Examples like DoorDash's tip-stealing and Facebook's content moderation issues highlight systemic worker exploitation; businesses should audit their practices to ensure ethical treatment of employees and contractors.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
UBI proposals, like Andrew Yang's, need critical examination, as they may not fully address worker needs; businesses and policymakers should collaborate with labor representatives to develop more comprehensive solutions.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The rise of AI necessitates worker involvement in policy discussions to avoid further erosion of worker rights and ensure a fair transition in the future of work.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
The episode underscores the shifting dynamics between technology, labor, and economic inequality, urging businesses to consider their role in fostering a more equitable and sustainable labor market.
