Retail stores now compete with internet shops. The reality of global shopping economics does not bode well for U.S. retail workers, who, by comparison, are amongts the top earners in the profession.
Wal-Mart thrives by deploying 'Big Box Store' economies of scale. Workers need to mimic 'Big Box' economics, and adjust their lifestyle.
Just as the 'old lifestyle' was powered by the old wages, a new lifestyle must be fashioned around the new wages.
Families will need to co-habitate on home rentals. Individual workers need a roommate co-op. Instead of 15 people driving 15 beaters to work, a shift ride-share network is needed.
The collective function of Unions needs to expand beyond work actions to now include 'life actions' on behalf of retail workers.
If collective lifestyle adjustments are not made the Ma & Pop retail worker may go the way of the Ma & Pop shop, in its battle with Wal-Mart. As automation would replace workers, to maintain profit margins.
Retail workers simply do not have much wiggle room, as margins are tight and auto-check-out stations have a fixed cost, don't strike, need benefits, or even lunch breaks.
Black Friday Action.
" said she had taken the decision to go on strike to protest the fact that she could only make around $14,000 dollars a year. Despite working as a customer service manager, she said, her family remained reliant on food stamps and other benefits. "I work full time at the richest company in the world," she said."
So how do we (collectively) fix this?
