The Human Cost of the Ghost Economy

The Human Cost of the Ghost Economy

4/9/2018

link

https://longreads.com/2017/12/13/the-human-cost-of-the-ghost-economy/

summary

In this thought-provoking article, the author delves into the hidden human costs of the "ghost economy," an underground ecosystem of invisible and exploitative labor. Focusing on the example of janitorial work in the United States, the article highlights the dire working conditions, low wages, lack of benefits, and overall vulnerability faced by many workers in this largely unregulated sector. It brings attention to the millions of invisible workers who clean offices, hotels, and other public spaces, often enduring physical hardships, wage theft, and even assault. The piece urges readers to consider the human toll of the ghost economy and advocates for better protections and rights for its workers.

tags

precarious work ꞏ labor rights ꞏ low-wage workers ꞏ undocumented workers ꞏ vulnerable workers ꞏ social justice ꞏ job insecurity ꞏ economic system ꞏ hidden costs ꞏ undocumented labor ꞏ human rights abuses ꞏ informal sector ꞏ labor exploitation ꞏ modern slavery ꞏ informal labor ꞏ migrant workers ꞏ income inequality ꞏ sweatshops ꞏ gig economy ꞏ hidden labor ꞏ labor market ꞏ labor conditions ꞏ hidden labor market ꞏ globalization ꞏ working class ꞏ wage theft ꞏ ghost economy ꞏ human rights ꞏ global supply chains ꞏ economic exploitation ꞏ illegal labor ꞏ social inequality ꞏ black market ꞏ human trafficking ꞏ working poor ꞏ forced labor ꞏ exploitation ꞏ labor standards ꞏ poverty ꞏ unregulated labor ꞏ economic inequality ꞏ equality ꞏ working conditions ꞏ vulnerable employment