Concerning International Workers' Day
We, at the Center of Digital Autonomy, concerning the International Workers’ Day, speak out about an alarming and silent issue that exists within the software and technology industry: the normalization of precariousness and labor exploitation in the workplace. From long, exhausting, and unpaid working hours to temporary contracts and unfair wages, it is time to raise our voice and power to fight against these dehumanizing dynamics inherent to the capitalist system in favor of our rights as workers.
1. De-normalization of Labor Exploitation
The constant pressure to increase productivity at any cost has led to the violation of our basic labor rights. The lack of recognition and compensation for the additional time and effort invested, as well as the commandment of unreachable corporate goals, contribute to a working environment of alienation and exhaustion where we as workers are treated as easily replaceable resources in the software production machinery. This systematic exploitation of workers is not only morally reprehensible but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality and oppression within the industry.
2. Fair Labor Conditions
The pandemic and the advancement of communication technologies have resulted in an increase in sporadic hiring and remote work. This situation not only merges a hostile work environment with the home setting, increasing feelings of alienation, but also places the responsibility on workers to cover the costs of optimal equipment and infrastructure for the proper performance of our work. The lack of job stability allows companies to enter a cycle of staff turnover, resulting in unemployment and pressure on workers to lower the cost of our labor force and meet the demand dynamics imposed by employers.
3. Against Economic Imperialism
A common strategy of multinational corporations to reduce costs and maximize profits is the outsourcing of labor in the technology industry. This practice is carried out in various regions of the world, including the Global South, Central America, Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, where labor costs are considerably lower than in countries like the United States or in Europe. Taking advantage of unfavorable labor legislation and relatively low wages in these regions, these companies subject workers to precarious conditions and perpetuate a system of inequality and economic dependence on capitalist powers. These multinational corporations often pay wages that, while they may seem “high” within the context of the exploited country, do not truly reflect the fair value of the work performed. This creates an aspirational sentiment among workers, masking the reality of exploitation and perpetuating economic and social inequality.
4. The Power of the Union
In the recent case of the firing of 28 Google workers who protested against the development of technologies aiding the Israeli state in committing genocide against the Palestinian People, the importance of solidarity and organization among workers is evident. Despite companies’ efforts to dismantle unions, with an annual expenditure of approximately $400 million on anti-union measures, companies recognize the power represented by unity among workers. It is evident that solidarity and organization pose a threat to the profit interests of companies, as they strengthen workers’ ability to demand equality of conditions and fair treatment for all.
It is essential to stay united and show solidarity with one another to defend our labor rights and confront injustices in the technology industry and any other workplace. The power of unity is our greatest tool to resist labor precarization, exploitation, and any form of oppression. Therefore, on this May 1st, we make a strong call:
Programmers and developers of the world, unite!
