Max Alvarez, expert on the art of class war, joins Krystal and Saagar to discuss Rachel Maddow's future, billionaire taxes, Jack Dorsey's Twitter exchange, flaws and biases of cable news, and the complexities and corruption of tax preparation in the US.
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Quick takeaways
Workers fighting for better work-life balance are fighting for their time and dignity.
By recognizing the value of time and refusing to let it be controlled by the ruling class, workers can reclaim their power.
Sustained commitment and support are crucial in labor struggles to counter the waiting out tactics of the ruling class and build an enduring movement.
Deep dives
The value of time in the labor movement
Time is an essential resource in the labor movement, as workers trade their time and labor for compensation. The struggle for control over working hours and the workday has been a constant theme in labor movements throughout history. Workers fighting for shorter workweeks, reasonable schedules, and better work-life balance are fighting for their own time and dignity. The warrior-met coal strike serves as a recent example, where miners fought against long work hours and unpredictable schedules, longing for more time with their families. The ruling class often uses time as a weapon, waiting out strikes and demoralizing workers. To fight back, it's crucial for people to stay committed to labor struggles, show solidarity, and support workers in their fight for better conditions and control over their time.
The weaponization of time in the workforce
Employers often use time as a means to exert control over workers and limit their power. Workers are subject to long and unpredictable work hours, surveillance, strict attendance policies, and limited time for personal matters, such as family or self-care. The ruling class takes advantage of workers' time by forcing them into exhausting schedules and denying them the chance to fully live their lives. This weaponization of time is evident in various labor struggles, such as the warrior-met coal strike, where miners fought against brutal schedules and demanded more time with their families. By recognizing the value of time and refusing to let it be controlled by the ruling class, workers can reclaim their power and fight for better working conditions and work-life balance.
The importance of commitment in labor struggles
To bring about meaningful change in labor struggles, it is crucial for people to demonstrate long-term commitment. Bosses and the ruling class often employ tactics of waiting out workers, counting on their attention and outrage to fade over time. This strategy has worked in the past, but to counter it, people must remain committed and dedicated to supporting workers in their fight for justice. This commitment can take various forms, from sharing news about labor struggles to providing tangible support, such as fundraising or joining picket lines. Sustained commitment sends a powerful message of solidarity and reminds workers that they are not alone. By standing together and showing support for all aspects of the labor movement, individuals can help build an enduring movement that challenges the control of time by the ruling class.
Fighting the weaponization of time in the attention economy
The weaponization of time extends beyond the workplace and into the attention economy, where corporations profit from people's time and attention. The constant demands placed on individuals to be constantly connected and engaged with screens and devices erode our capacity for commitment and sustained attention. This erosion of time and attention makes it harder for people to stand together in long-term struggles and fights for justice. However, being aware of these dynamics and actively resisting the demands of the attention economy can help individuals maintain their commitment and focus on supporting labor struggles. By prioritizing the fight for workers' rights and creating spaces for sustained attention and compassion, people can counter the weaponization of time in the attention economy and actively contribute to building a better world.
The urgency of the labor movement and the need for action
Time is a precious resource, and the labor movement must act urgently to address the challenges workers face. The power balance between workers and the ruling class is skewed, with the latter using time as a weapon and pushing workers to the brink. To turn the tide, individuals must take action, support strikes, demand justice, and stand with workers in their fight. By recognizing the value of time and organizing to reclaim it, people can work towards a fairer and more equitable society. Time is running out, and the labor movement must seize the opportunity to make lasting change.
Krystal and Saagar talk about Rachel Maddow's future, Russophobia, billionaire taxes, Jack Dorsey, tax preparation companies, Fox News, and the art of class war with Max Alvarez!