PHIL 3310. Exploring the philosophical, ethical, spiritual, existential, social, and personal implications of a godless universe, and supporting their study at Middle Tennessee State University & beyond.
Well, it definitely renews the conversation about whether or not this work force is fairly compensated. A lot of the folks out there stocking shelves and wiping down potentially infected checkouts are making a minimum wage that barely pays the bills.
As Ed said the other evening on zoom, there's a real ethical challenge in deciding whether to patronize businesses that rely on a captive "essential" workforce. But on the other hand, not patronizing them could mean financial ruin for those who can't afford, under the current dispensation, to not work. Those folks, as Hagglund would remind us, are really not "free" in the truest sense of the word to pursue their projects and do the work they love (as opposed to the work they're captivated by. A "revaluation" that freed everyone from the labor-based economy and returned their time to them without penalty would be truly revolutionary... though "socially available free time" may not be on the table for now.
There was an article recently, perhaps yesterday in either the Guardian or the NY Times, about the ethical aspects of home delivery, which I did not read and am now kicking myself because I can’t find it. The headline, however, suggested that it was not a bad thing. I might have said during Happiness Hour (which, BTW, will be open again Thursday evening at 6:10, and we expect Patricia to be there) that I was struggling to find a word to describe my feelings on this issue. I am happy that I am privileged enough to be able to avoid the risk of the plague by having groceries delivered to me, but conflicted about exposing the risk of the plague to a person compelled to risk infection in order to have the money to live. Is that “guilt”? I don’t know, but I do know that it means a big tip.
I never thought about it that way, but the grocery store workers are needed during this time to make sure no one is looting and to make sure the shelves are restocked . I do believe they should get paid more same as doctors since they risking their health. Maybe organzine a strike.
I am a retail worker and a personal shopper at Walmart, meaning I shop for people and take the groceries out to their vehicle. We have been insanely busy and I put myself at risk every day. I'm so grateful that I am still making money, but I'm also incredibly exhausted. We are being forced to work 9-10 hour shifts to keep up and the customers are insanely rude. Life is not fun right now, so sorry if I haven't posted a lot. I am at work all the time lol. However, Walmart did give us a 300 dollar bonus as some sort of "hazard" pay, so that's good I guess
I recently got hired at Walmart, and I work in the Bakery. I honestly that and the nightly cleaning crew are the most safe during all this. Granted, I work long hours, but they are always at least 10 feet away from the customers and I feel secure
You deserve that hazard pay, and more. Just keep the sanitizer flowing and mask in place. We should start thanking you for your service, the way we reflexively thank veterans. After all, we're supposedly in a "war" with COVID-19.
Well, it definitely renews the conversation about whether or not this work force is fairly compensated. A lot of the folks out there stocking shelves and wiping down potentially infected checkouts are making a minimum wage that barely pays the bills.
ReplyDeleteAs Ed said the other evening on zoom, there's a real ethical challenge in deciding whether to patronize businesses that rely on a captive "essential" workforce. But on the other hand, not patronizing them could mean financial ruin for those who can't afford, under the current dispensation, to not work. Those folks, as Hagglund would remind us, are really not "free" in the truest sense of the word to pursue their projects and do the work they love (as opposed to the work they're captivated by. A "revaluation" that freed everyone from the labor-based economy and returned their time to them without penalty would be truly revolutionary... though "socially available free time" may not be on the table for now.
ReplyDeleteThere was an article recently, perhaps yesterday in either the Guardian or the NY Times, about the ethical aspects of home delivery, which I did not read and am now kicking myself because I can’t find it. The headline, however, suggested that it was not a bad thing. I might have said during Happiness Hour (which, BTW, will be open again Thursday evening at 6:10, and we expect Patricia to be there) that I was struggling to find a word to describe my feelings on this issue. I am happy that I am privileged enough to be able to avoid the risk of the plague by having groceries delivered to me, but conflicted about exposing the risk of the plague to a person compelled to risk infection in order to have the money to live. Is that “guilt”? I don’t know, but I do know that it means a big tip.
ReplyDeleteI love to join if it is still going after 7! My presence is required "essentially" till 7 that day. 😅
DeleteI never thought about it that way, but the grocery store workers are needed during this time to make sure no one is looting and to make sure the shelves are restocked . I do believe they should get paid more same as doctors since they risking their health. Maybe organzine a strike.
ReplyDeleteI am a retail worker and a personal shopper at Walmart, meaning I shop for people and take the groceries out to their vehicle. We have been insanely busy and I put myself at risk every day. I'm so grateful that I am still making money, but I'm also incredibly exhausted. We are being forced to work 9-10 hour shifts to keep up and the customers are insanely rude. Life is not fun right now, so sorry if I haven't posted a lot. I am at work all the time lol. However, Walmart did give us a 300 dollar bonus as some sort of "hazard" pay, so that's good I guess
ReplyDeleteI recently got hired at Walmart, and I work in the Bakery. I honestly that and the nightly cleaning crew are the most safe during all this. Granted, I work long hours, but they are always at least 10 feet away from the customers and I feel secure
DeleteYou deserve that hazard pay, and more. Just keep the sanitizer flowing and mask in place. We should start thanking you for your service, the way we reflexively thank veterans. After all, we're supposedly in a "war" with COVID-19.
ReplyDelete