Dignity of Work

We live in a service economy with roots that run deep. Ideals of American freedom are intertwined with the right to be served. Workers walking away from jobs is an inconvenience, if not an insult, to those who feel entitled to cheap, fast service.

The human cost of same-day shipping, overflowing shelves, and delivery apps was always too high. It's just hidden to many of us. How many Amazon warehouse employees do you know? InstaCart shoppers? Meat processing plant workers?

The pandemic created a power shift that empowered workers to strike, quit, and push back against unsafe and unfair working conditions. Inevitably, unemployment and stimulus savings will run out and economic dynamics will lurch backwards.

Demand drives what service looks like. Demand determines living conditions.

Do we support workers? Are we willing to live with fewer cheap goods and less inhumane service? Are we willing to trade our blind consumerism for a more just economy?