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Being poor is expensive
(thelemmy.club)
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this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2026
1390 points (99.6% liked)
Work Reform
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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.
Our Philosophies:
- All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
- Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
- Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
- We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.
Our Goals
- Higher wages for underpaid workers.
- Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
- Better and fewer working hours.
- Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
- Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.
founded 3 years ago
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The time theft has a far reach. I’ve worked with kids who’ve gone inpatient for mental health, acting out in school, etc. Why? Because mom isn’t there. It’s not willful neglect. It’s neglect through not neglecting her motherly duties by working 2-3 jobs to keep the lights on and shoes on her child’s feet.
Time is a key reason we need to be paid more, have a much higher minimum wage, though it isn’t often mentioned.
Minimum wage isn't going to cut it anymore. We need UBI.
Democracy is the idea that political authority is derived from the people. The government's power to levy taxes and conduct its business is taken from We The People; We The People should be fairly compensated for the use of that power. We should each be paid a citizenship dividend of 75% of the current poverty level, before we put a single hour on the clock.
Below current poverty levels? We've already got the technology to provide for everyone according to their needs.
Current Poverty line for a single person is $16000. $12000 is 75% of the current single-person household. $12,000/yr, free and clear, before you leave for work on Monday morning. You're above the poverty line by noon on Monday.
You and your partner are both receiving the same UBI. Together, you're receiving $24000/yr. That's 110% of the current poverty rate for a household of two. You're above the line just from your UBI.
For you, your partner, and your two kids, that's $48000/yr. That's 145% of the poverty line for a household of 4.
Does that still seem unreasonable? I'd be ecstatic over 25%.
That still feels awfully low.
Even getting a single dollar each year would be nicer than the zero I get now, but I'd rather get fully reimbursed for letting people monopolize my share of the earth. They have no right to claim that for themselves in the first place.