zlacker

[parent] [thread] 2 comments
1. gnicho+(OP)[view] [source] 2020-04-17 17:55:50
How does a high unemployment rate cut both ways? Seems like it only favors the employer — they'll have an easier time hiring new employees, and employees will have a harder time finding other jobs.

Is there a way in which a high unemployment rate gives the employees leverage? I can see walkouts happening right now because Amazon employees know the company is under scrutiny and therefore less likely to fire them. But I doubt many people will 'put their money where their mouth is' and actually resign when the economy is doing poorly and there are very few jobs (and lots of job seekers).

replies(2): >>tareqa+B6 >>deceba+T6
2. tareqa+B6[view] [source] 2020-04-17 18:45:03
>>gnicho+(OP)
With a high enough unemployment rate, businesses might have trouble getting anything done because outside conditions start resembling a general strike. In addition, with a high enough unemployment rate, the customers of a business might not be able to afford the corresponding goods or services even if they are sold at cost. Grinding a battered economy to halt is easier.
3. deceba+T6[view] [source] 2020-04-17 18:47:02
>>gnicho+(OP)
Amazon is a high volume low margins business. Mass walkouts are very disruptive. Everything stopping 'the machine' translates into direct revenue loss. Amazon went to great lengths in making the machine resilient by having people be more expendable but we're still not at the point in which if a lot of people walk out at the same time, there's an army of scabs in standby to pick up the work and keep things going. If this goes viral and a lot of workers do it at the same time, it can be catastrophic.
[go to top]