Who is David? Who is Goliath?
Janice Fine asks the question "who is Goliath" in response to Thomas Frank suggesting that immigrant workers collectively are a Goliath in the workplace.
Goliath is clearly employers like Wal Mart. Goliath represents power - arrogant power. If you read the Biblical text, Goliath taunted the Israelites and then taunted David when he stood before him with a slingshot. We see that kind of arrogance among employers right now. "If you don't like this job and how I pay you, go find another."
Recently I was speaking with someone in the Michigan Department of Labor about the increases of wage complaints filed. He described employers feeling "free" to underpay workers because they know how hard it is for workers to find other jobs.
The workers centers around the country confirm this problem. In this economy, workers are scared they can't find another job, so they stick with bad jobs even when their employers steal wages.
Immigrant workers have limited power in the society given the lack of a rational immigration program in the nation. When they organize, they may become a David - fighting back, but they will never be Goliath. Immigrant workers aren't the "cause" of problems for native born workers. Employers who exploit immigrant workers and drive down wages, too few unions in the workplace to adequately protect all workers, a complete abdication of labor law enforcement over the last decade and no national jobs program are some of the causes of the crisis for workers in the society.
Marshall has made another great contribution to the movement with his book. The Davids can win against the Goliaths. Thank goodness Marshall has shown us how.
Great article! This is the reality these days. Unemployment surged to a higher rate unexpectedly these year resulting to thousands of job loss and financial breakdown. People that are thinking of giving up on job searching are called discouraged workers. Discouraged workers are often people that are overqualified for the jobs they apply for, or older veteran workers that would be too costly for many companies to hire, or people in areas where employment prospects are scant. A lot of people are unemployed, and looking for a pay day that doesn't come in the form of a government check. It's best to keep faith, and keep on keeping on looking for work. The economy is predicted to begin recovery later this year, so there may be cash today for discouraged workers before they know it.
June 10, 2009 1:24 AM | Reply | Permalink