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

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