Life of Riley: The bit what's left

Issue 

Life of Riley

The bit what's left

In a standard working day of eight hours, it may take me four hours to produce the equivalent of my wages. If the time needed to cover my wage packet is reduced from four to two hours, then the bit what's left increases from four to six hours.

It is the bit what's left that makes free enterprise what it is today — exceedingly profitable.

Forget all the claptrap you hear. I'm telling you like it is: if you want to understand the free enterprise economy, just keep your eye on the movements of the bit what's left.

It is generally conceded that increases in the total amount of the bit what's left are good for us all. This is what makes productivity go up. And, as you no doubt recognise, we all should be keen on that.

But boosting the total amount of what's left — after we proletarians have had our portion — can be reached via many optional routes: (1) by cutting wages; (2) by lengthening the working day; and (3) by reducing the work force and forcing the remainder to work harder.

Given a choice, which one would you pick? Go on, be masochistic! As an upstanding citizen and bona fide Aussie battler, which would you prefer?

Of course, one further option exists: (4) Boss: "Work harder or I'll cut your wages, lengthen the shifts and lay you bludgers off!"

So when asked to offer an opinion on Saint Productivity ("I dedicate my labours to the love of thee. Amen.") don't go mouthing off about changes in work practices. It's to the nitty-gritty you should go. All this malarky about productivity ("Hosanna! It riseth, O Lord!") and world's best practice ("It beginneth with the deed and endeth with the greed!") is simply double-speak for working harder and longer for less.

Surely, you don't mean to tell me you're keen on that!

Instead, perhaps you have chosen to follow a gospel which urges you to struggle valiantly to realise a high ideal. With your course shaped by such a proud aim, you forbear and tolerate sacrifice in the hope that jobs for all will ensue.

But the bit what's left doesn't work like that. You have no say in what happens to it. Since compliance dictates that you work harder and longer for less, why would anyone else be needed (unless they worked longer and for less than you)? There would simply be less of what's left for those who reckon they own it.

And, by the way, that's not you.

By Dave Riley

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.