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Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

bbc.co.uk

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Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#81

Post by anarchodev »

Wohlf wrote: post #16
Animats wrote: post #9

Yes. Don't be a scab and cross the picket line. Don't buy from Amazon today.

Scabs are workers who cross the picket line, not customers. If you think boycotts are a good idea, ask the auto unions how well customers not buying cars worked out for their members.

While you're correct about the meaning of the word scab, there doesn't yet exist a word with appropriately caustic undertones to describe the customer who continues to patronize a service whose workers are striking -- and so we typically use that word for both situations. Welcome to the party.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#82

Post by barbecue_sauce »

matz1 wrote: post #73
toomuchtodo wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is a fine plan if you're not the one suffering. Democracy takes time, and you can (and should) use leverage against corporations at the same time when necessary.

Democracy takes time but I don't see any other way, as someone who are not the one suffering, I'm not going to boycott amazon. I like fast shipping and cheap item.

Yes, that is why you are being criticized: for not caring about other people.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#83

Post by _lyxd »

deogeo wrote: post #25
jonknee wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yea so that way they'll have no jobs at all!

Or they will have jobs at other retailers, that will step in to take Amazon's market.

What makes you think other retailers will treat the employees better than Amazon is right now?

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#84

Post by tathougies »

throwaway2048 wrote: post #36
tathougies wrote: post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That would require everyone to own a robot, but most people do not have the foresight to purchase one or involve their money in such a thing.

Or you know, millions of dollars.

I mean, I would broadly agree, but you don't need to have a million dollars to buy shares in a robotics venture.

However, I still contend that, even with millions of dollars, most people would not have the foresight to invest. As evidenced by the fact that those who suffer from windfalls of money typically lose it very quickly.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#85

Post by matz1 »

just_myles wrote: post #12
nerdjon wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I mean... it's happening. So either we continue to deny it isn't or we actually start those conversations now and figure out how we live in that world. And there is a correlation between actions like this and the desire to have a more automated workforce. Not saying that as blame because there are many other reasons and you can look at the reasons their jobs are so bad right now anyways. But we can't ignore it.

Sure. However, I think the poster is commenting on the insensitivity of the post by OP. No one has denied that this is not happening because it is. We can however, comment on them in a way that is empathetic to the workers who are protesting. Never know, might come for any one of us one day.

The reality is appeal to empathy is imo ineffective.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#86

Post by cfqycwz »

OscarCunningham wrote: post #45
enlyth wrote: post #15

I agree with the worker in the video, they should be treated as human beings. One of the issues is doing a simple, monotonous task every 8 seconds, 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, without creating anything of value, is going to be dehumanizing and unfulfilling regardless. Robots carrying out this work would probably be for the best for everyone involved, although Amazon should do right by the workers carrying them ove…

> without creating anything of value That's not the right way of phrasing it. They're producing a substantial amount of value, in the real sense that the world is a better place because of the work they've done.

And in the sense that Amazon generates tremendous profit for its owners, which has to come from somebody's labor!

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#87

Post by rstupek »

qwsxyh wrote: post #60
nerdjon wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I mean... it's happening. So either we continue to deny it isn't or we actually start those conversations now and figure out how we live in that world. And there is a correlation between actions like this and the desire to have a more automated workforce. Not saying that as blame because there are many other reasons and you can look at the reasons their jobs are so bad right now anyways. But we can't ignore it.

It's happening but that doesn't mean a) we should just bend over and accept being fucked over due to some vague robot threat in the future or b) make jokes about workers having to bend over.

No one in this thread made any jokes about the situation and characterizing the comments as such is disingenuous.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#88

Post by matz1 »

barbecue_sauce wrote: post #82
matz1 wrote: post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Democracy takes time but I don't see any other way, as someone who are not the one suffering, I'm not going to boycott amazon. I like fast shipping and cheap item.

Yes, that is why you are being criticized: for not caring about other people.

Yes, can you see that is ineffective ? you want to make me care, you have to force me to care.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#89

Post by jonknee »

deogeo wrote: post #25
jonknee wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yea so that way they'll have no jobs at all!

Or they will have jobs at other retailers, that will step in to take Amazon's market.

They'll be in for a rude awakening when they find out other fulfillment center jobs are just as hard and pay equal or less.

Re: Amazon workers launch protests on Prime Day

#90

Post by barbecue_sauce »

matz1 wrote: post #88
barbecue_sauce wrote: post #82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, that is why you are being criticized: for not caring about other people.

Yes, can you see that is ineffective ? you want to make me care, you have to force me to care.

So we agree that regulation/legislation is the best path forward.
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