Making Work Work for Everyone (with Saru Jayaraman and Michelle Miller)

Baratunde wonders what today’s labor movement looks like and how workers are responding to the unprecedented consolidation of corporate power across all industries from tech to agriculture to retail. He learns how our economy and our democracy are impacted by these extremes. Saru Jayaraman speaks to the Davida and Goliath power dynamics in the restaurant industry, the origins of the $2.13 per hour minimum wage for tipped workers, and the progress of One Fair Wage. Michelle Miller of CoWorker.org reimagines how we can be agents of our economy instead of objects in the economy.  Show Notes + Links We are grateful to Saru Jayaraman and Michelle Miller for joining us for this episode.  Follow @sarujayaraman and @michelleimiller on Twitter and their organizations onefairwage.com and coworker.org You can find this episode, a transcript, show notes and the full set of actions at https://www.baratunde.com/how-to-citizen-episodes/06-making-work-work Please show your support for the show in the form of a review and rating. It makes a huge difference with the algorithmic overlords! HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW. ACTIONS FOR THIS EPISODE. INTERNAL ACTION: Reflect on your role as a worker in the context of the larger economy and ask these questions: Is the value I create for people in my community, society, or the environment through my work accurately reflected in how I’m compensated? What are the impacts on society and our collective well-being when corporations consolidate power through the court system and our elected officials? As a worker, do you feel represented and protected by your HR department? Why or why not?  If you experienced your employer violating your rights or others, are you familiar with what resources are at your disposal and generally how the law works in order to appropriately deal with the situation? EXTERNAL ACTION:  As a consumer, ask questions about worker’s pay and healthcare at the restaurants you frequent to let management know you care. Enough people asked for organics, and alternative mi