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mostlysignssomeportents · 9 months

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When the app tries to make you robo-scab

When we talk about the abusive nature of gig work, there’s some obvious targets, like algorithmic wage discrimination, where two workers are paid different rates for the same job, in order to trick occasional gig-workers to give up their other sources of income and become entirely dependent on the app:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men

Then there’s the opacity — imagine if your boss refused to tell you how much you’ll get paid for a job until after you’ve completed it, claimed that this was done in order to “protect privacy” — and then threatened anyone who helped you figure out the true wage on offer:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/07/hr-4193/#boss-app

Opacity is wage theft’s handmaiden: every gig worker producing content for a social media algorithm is subject to having their reach — and hence their pay — cut based on the unaccountable, inscrutable decisions of a content moderation system:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/10/e2e/#the-censors-pen

Making content for an algorithm is like having a boss that docks every paycheck because you broke rules that you are not allowed to know, because if you knew the rules, you’d figure out how to cheat without your boss catching you. Content moderation is the last place where security through obscurity is considered good practice:

https://doctorow.medium.com/como-is-infosec-307f87004563

When workers seize the means of computation, amazing things happen. In Indonesia, gig workers create and trade tuyul apps that let them unilaterally modify the way that their bosses’ systems see them — everything from GPS spoofing to accessibility mods:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/07/08/tuyul-apps/#gojek

So the tech and labor story isn’t wholly grim: there are lots of ways that tech can enhance labor struggles, letting workers collaborate and coordinate. Without digital systems, we wouldn’t have the Hot Strike Summer:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/02/not-what-it-does/#who-it-does-it-to

As the historic writer/actor strike shows us, the resurgent labor movement and the senescent forces of crapulent capitalism are locked in a death-struggle over not just what digital tools do, but who they do it for and who they do it to:

https://locusmag.com/2022/01/cory-doctorow-science-fiction-is-a-luddite-literature/

When it comes to the epic fight over who technology acts for and against, we need a diversity of tactics, backstopped by tech operated by and for its users — and by laws that protect workers and the public. That dynamic is in sharp focus in UNITE Here Local 11’s strike against Orange County’s Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.

The UNITE Here strike turns on the usual issues like a living wage (hotel staff are paid so little they have to rent rooming-house beds by the shift, paying for the right to sleep in a room for a few hours at a time, without any permanent accommodation). They’re also seeking health-care and pensions, so they can be healthy at work and retire after long service. Finally, they’re seeking their employer’s support for LA’s Responsible Hotels Ordinance, which would levy a tax on hotel rooms to help pay for hotel workers’ housing costs (a hotel worker who can’t afford a bed is the equivalent of a fast food worker who has to apply for food stamps):

https://www.unitehere11.org/responsible-hotels-ordinance/

But the Marriott — which is owned by the University of California and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality — has refused to bargain, walking out negotiations.

But the employer didn’t walk out over wages, benefits or support for a housing subsidy. They walked out when workers demanded that the scabs that the company was trying to hire to break the strike be given full time, union jobs.

These aren’t just any scabs, either. They’re predominantly Black workers who rely on the $700m Instawork app for gigs. These workers are being dispatched to cross the picket line without any warning that they’re being contracted as strikebreakers. When workers refuse the cross the picket and join the strike, Instawork cancels all their shifts and permanently blocks them from new jobs.

This is a new, technologically supercharged form of illegal strikebreaking. It’s one thing for a single boss to punish a worker who refuses to scab, but Instawork acts as a plausible-deniability filter for all the major employers in the region. Like the landlord apps that allow landlords to illegally fix rents by coordinating hikes, Instawork lets bosses illegally collude to rig wages by coordinating a blocklist of workers who refuse to scab:

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/10/company-that-makes-rent-setting-software-for-landlords-sued-for-collusion/?comments=1

The racial dimension is really important here: the Marriott has a longstanding de facto policy of refusing to hire Black workers, and whenever they are confronted with this, they insist that there are no qualified Black workers in the labor pool. But as soon as the predominantly Latino workforce struck, Marriott discovered a vast Black workforce that it could coerce into scabbing, in collusion with Instawork.

Now, all of this isn’t just sleazy, it’s illegal, a violation of Section 7 of the NLRB Act. Historically, that wouldn’t have mattered, because a string of presidents, R and D, have appointed useless do-nothing ghouls to run the NLRB. But the Biden admin, pushed by the party’s left wing, made a string of historic, excellent appointments, including NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo, who has set her sights on punishing gig work companies for flouting labor law:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/10/see-you-in-the-funny-papers/#bidens-legacy

UNITE HERE 11 has brought a case to the NLRB, charging the Instawork, the UC system, Marriott, and Aimbridge with violating labor law by blackmailing gig workers into crossing the picket line. The union is also asking the NLRB to punish the companies for failing to protect workers from violent retaliation from the wealthy hotel guests who have punched them and screamed epithets at them. The hotel has refused to identify these thug guests so that the workers they assaulted can swear out complaints against them.

Writing about the strike for Jacobin, Alex N Press tells the story of Thomas Bradley, a Black worker who was struck off all Instawork shifts for refusing to cross the picket line and joining it instead:

https://jacobin.com/2023/07/southern-california-hotel-workers-strike-automated-management-unite-here

Bradley’s case is exhibit A in the UNITE HERE 11 case before the NLRB. He has a degree in culinary arts, but racial discrimination in the industry has kept him stuck in gig and temp jobs ever since he graduated, nearly a quarter century ago. Bradley lived out of his car, but that was repossessed while he slept in a hotel room that UNITE HERE 11 fundraised for him, leaving him homeless and bereft of all his worldly possessions.

With UNITE HERE 11’s help, Bradley’s secured a job at the downtown LA Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, a hotel that has bargained with the workers. Bradley is using his newfound secure position to campaign among other Instawork workers to convince them not to cross picket lines. In these group chats, Jacobin saw workers worrying “that joining the strike would jeopardize their standing on the app.”

Today (July 30) at 1530h, I’m appearing on a panel at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach, CA, to discuss the wonderful, award-winning “Ghost Post” Haunted Mansion project I worked on for Disney Imagineering.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/30/computer-says-scab/#instawork

[Image ID: An old photo of strikers before a struck factory, with tear-gas plumes rising above them. The image has been modified to add a Marriott sign to the factory, and the menacing red eye of HAL9000 from Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' to the sky over the factory. The workers have been colorized to a yellow-green shade and the factory has been colorized to a sepia tone.]

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

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kachikirby · 1 year

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Kirby: Mysterious Incident on the Pupupu Train! - Chapter 1: The Railroad King Has Arrived!

One Day, Bandanna Waddle Dee rushed into King Dedede’s office (or what he called his nap room).

“Great King! Great King! You have a visitor!”

As he always did when he awakened, Dedede yawned as he spoke.

“A visitor? There aren’t any visitors scheduled for today. They’re awfully brazen to come here without an appointment. Kick ‘em out!”

“But they said they wanted to speak to your highness no matter what...”

“For the love of-! I don’t know who they are or where they’re from...”

“He said his name was the Railroad King. Apparently, he wants to speak to you about railroads.”

“...what? A king?”

Dedede was intrigued. The self-proclaimed ruler of Dream Land was weak to the word “king”.

“If a king says that they want to meet with me, then there’s no reason to send him away.”

“Yeah...”

“Let’s go meet them.”

Dedede eagerly put on a new gown and headed to the guest’s waiting room.

~~~~~~~~

It was an elegantly dressed gentleman who bowed his head graciously. He was small in stature, but rotund and had a fine mustache. His eyes looked gentle, but were also sharp.

“It’s an honor to meet you, King Dedede. My name is York.”

“There’s no need to be so formal! The both of us are kings! Don’t be so shy!”

Dedede said in high spirits. At this, York laughed.

“Oh, no. I might be called the Railroad King, but that is only a nickname. I’m not a real king, like your majesty.”

“...a nickname?”

“Correct. I was called that because I own railroads all across the galaxy.”

“...what?”

Now knowing that this wasn’t a real king, Dedede gained a bored expression.

“So? What does a fake king want with me?”

Despite being called fake, York did not become angry. On the contrary, he was smiling more and more.

“I have a request regarding a railroad.”

“A railroad...”

“Correct. I would like to ask for permission to construct a magnificent galactic railway, the Pupupu Train, to connect Dream Land to the resort planet, Baspa.”

“...Baspa?”

Dedede leaned forward.

“Do you know about it, your highness?”

“Of course! It’s that big-name planet with a ton of gorgeous hotels and restaurants with all of the best cooks, right?”

“That’s correct. But that’s not all. Baspa has many beautiful lakes, forests, seas, and spacious hot springs. It’s the best place you can go on vacation...”

“I don’t care about the lakes and forests! There are a lot of those in Dream Land, too! The most important thing is food! Gorgeous food is the only thing that’s befitting for me!”

“If that’s so, then I’m sure your highness will be satisfied.”

York narrowed his eyes.

“Baspa has Japanese food, western food, Chinese food, and desert, all made by top-notch chefs. Everyone will put their skills to great use to welcome your highness.”

“I see. It lives up to its reputation.”

King Dedede said with a face that seemed to melt away.

“I’ve always wanted to go there, but I gave up because it was too far away. If we have a railroad, it’ll be a straight line from Dream Land to Baspa!”

“Correct. The company train is equipped with a dining room, cozy bedrooms, and is gorgeous. It promises comfy travels befitting of your highness.”

“I love it! Start on construction right away!”

With that, Dedede and York firmly shook hands.

~~~~~~~~

After York left, Bandana Waddle Dee returned to Dedede’s side and spoke to him with worry.

“Your highness, that king of the railroad is...”

“Yup! He may not be a real king, but he sure does give you what you want. I think he really is gonna build a railroad connecting Dream Land to Baspa.”

“Yes, he explained it to us as well. It seems he didn’t just invite you, but us as well.”

“Oh, is that so? Well, I need someone to take care of me, you know!”

Dedede laughed in a carefree way, but Bandana had a sullen expression.

“Not only that, but it seems that a lot of the residents of Dream Land were invited for the commemorative opening of the Pupupu Train...”

“Hoho? That York guy’s really generous.”

“Isn’t that a bit too good...?”

Upon finally noticing Bandana’s expression, King Dedede asked.

“What do you mean? Why do you look so glum?”

“I’m worried. I heard that traveling by train is a very luxurious and difficult thing to do. And yet, a lot of residents were invited... doesn’t that mean that York is planning something?”

“Of course he has a plan! He’s eager to please my great self! The idea of entertaining me is all he can think about! Because of that, he wants to try that by inviting my subjects and the residents!”

“Is... that right...?”

Upon seeing how depressed Bandana looked, Dedede became sullen.

“What? You look bored even though you’re going on a wonderful vacation. If you don’t want to come, you can be the caretaker for the castle. I’ll take the other Waddle Dees with me!”

Bandana raised his face and replied with a panicked tone.

“N-no! I’m sorry, I’m going! I want to go!”

“Hmph. You should’ve said that from the beginning. Make sure to get ready for the trip. I’m gonna need a change of clothes, and a lot of ‘em. It’s a resort planet, so only the most gorgeous fashion is going to fit there! Since there’s hot springs, I’m gonna need a yukata, too. And of course I can’t forget my swimsuit, sunglasses, and swim ring!”

“Y-yes, your highness!”

Bandana bowed his head and rushed out of the room.

~~~~~~~~

The news of the Pupupu Train was a big fuss for the Waddle Dees.

“Hooray! We’re also invited!”

“I’m really happy! I’ve never been on a train before!”

“It’s my first time, too. I wonder what train travel is like.”

“I’m looking forward to it! That’s right! I’ll make a travel itinerary and decide on the plans in detail!”

When the excited Waddle Dees saw Bandana returning from the king’s room, they looked puzzled.

“Ah, Bandana-senpai...”

“Is something wrong? Why do you look so down...?”

The Waddle Dees started to look worried.

“Did something happen? By any chance, were you scolded by his highness...?”

“N-no! Not at all!”

Bandana raised his head with a bright smile.

“I can’t help but look forward to it. Now, let’s all start preparing for the trip!”

“Yes, sir!”

Bandana turned his back to everyone and thought.

The railroad king York looked like a calm and classy gentleman, but that doesn’t mean it was his true nature. He was concerned about the look in his eyes. It was the eyes of someone who was plotting something. To begin with, anyone who visited King Dedede often had a wicked scheme beneath their affable demeanor. They try to deceive and take advantage of the king or they try to invade Dream Land...

“His highness is kind, so he’s quick to believe in others. I have to be strong...”

Bandana uttered seemingly to himself while clenching his fist.

~~~~~~~~

The rumors about the Pupupu Train spread throughout Dream Land. The residents were, of course, delighted. No matter where anyone looked, it was the only thing being talked about. Even so, none of them has ever ridden a train before and that was why they let their imaginations run wild as they talked. Even today, some residents chatter wildly as they gathered in the plaza.

“So it’s a long thing you ride in, right? Then it’s gotta wriggle around like a snake!” Burning Leo said.

“How do you ride on top of a snake? Won’t you just fall off?” Chilly said worriedly.

Knuckle Joe laughed. “You don’t ride on top of it! You ride inside it like a car!”

“A long car that wriggles? What a strange vehicle!”

At that moment, Kirby and Waddle Dee appeared in the plaza. They were all standing in a line with long ropes in their hands. Kirby was in the front, and Bandana Waddle Dee was in the back.

“Choo choooooo! Next stop, the plaza!” Kirby shouted and their feet stopped moving.

“Please watch your step while getting off! We will be departing momentarily!” Bandana said.

“...what are you all doing?” Burning Leo called out, to which Kirby answered back.

“We’re playing train!”

“Huh...?”

“We’re practicing for when we ride the Pupupu Train.”

Burning Leo and the others looked at each other.

“Do you guys even know what a train looks like?” Knuckle Joe asked.

“I know! It’s a long car that runs on top of rails and has dining rooms and beds inside!”

“...huh!?”

Everyone was surprised by Kirby’s immediate answer.

“Why would you know something like that?!”

“No way! Kirby, have you ridden a train before?!”

“Nope! I haven’t! But Waddle Dee told me about it!”

“We’ve received pamphlets from the Railroad King York. It has a lot of information about the Pupupu Train that’s currently under construction.” Bandana said.

“Pamphlet?” Chilly asked.

“If you have something nice like that, then let us see it!”

“Of course. I’ll make copies to hand out to everyone. Gather everyone at Castle Dedede!”

“All right!” Burning Leo jumped up with all his might.

“We’ll let everyone know! I’m itching to know more about the Pupupu Train ASAP!” Knuckle Joe said with a smile.

Then he and the others ran off in whatever direction they pleased.

~~~~~~~~

The citizens of Dreamland rushed to Castle Dedede in excitement. There, the Waddle Dees copied the pamphlets and handed them out. Everyone was delighted to see the illustration of the train for the first time.

“Wow! The guest rooms have a big bed and sofa! It’s like a hotel!”

“It runs through the galaxy at tremendous speeds and can reach the planet Baspa in a week!”

In the group of gathered citizens, Chef Kawasaki was also there.

“Are you gonna ride the train, too?” Kirby asked.

“I’ve been specially invited to take care of the dining car.” Kawasaki said proudly.

“Huh!? Then I’ll be able to eat your cooking on the Pupupu Train?”

“Yes! I’ll be making breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and midnight snacks! I’ll be preparing many gorgeous menus, so look forward to it!”

“Uwaaaah! Hurray!”

Kirby was so happy that he somersaulted.

“Now that everyone is here, here, let's decide on the room assignments.” Bandana said.

“Room assignments?”

“There are several private rooms on the Pupupu Train. King Dedede will have his own room and the ten of us Waddle Dees will have our own room, but everyone else should decide who should room with who.” Everyone looked at each other. Then Chilly spoke. “I don’t want to be in a room with Burning Leo. He’ll make the room so hot that I’ll melt.”

“I don’t want to room with Chilly either.” Burning Leo responded. “If I do it, I’m gonna catch a cold! Hothead, wanna share a room with me?”

“Sounds good.” Hothead replied, blowing a small flame from his mouth with a “po”.

“It’ll be fun with Burning Leo. The two of us will make the “Hot-Blooded Fire Room”!”

“Then it’s been decided!”

Burning Leo and Hothead made a triumphant pose.

Then Pengi spoke. “I’ll stay with Chilly. Our room will be the “Freezing Ice Room”.”

“Waah! Sounds good! I’ll look forward to it, Pengi!” Chilly was also very happy by it.

“I’ll be fine staying in a room with Walky!” Kirby said happily.

“...huh?” Walky looked puzzled. “W-why? What are you planning, Kirby?”

“I’m not planning anything. I just think we both are similar to each other.”

“Like what?”

“We’re good at singing!” Kirby said confidently. “Our room can be the “Captivating Singer Room”! Let’s sing lots of fun songs!”

“...HUH?!”

Walky recoiled.

Everyone around them was disturbed. They all deeply knew the destructive power of Kirby’s singing.

“Kirby says some scary things...”

“If he sings, the whole train will be destroyed!”

“We have to stop him...!”

While everyone else turned pale, Bonkers was the one who stepped forward. Rabble-rousing and quarrelsome, Bonkers is feared by the residents. Everyone held their breath wondering what he would say. He glared at Kirby and said “Oi, Kirby, stop it.”

“Huh?”

“Why don’t you... you...” Bonkers then said with a determined expression. “Room with me.”

“Huh? Why?”

“I want to share a room with you. You mind?”

“Is that so?” Embarrassed, Kirby then spun around on one leg. “I didn’t know you liked me so much!”

“Y-yeah.”

“If you say so, fine. I’ll room with you. Sorry, Walky, I know you’re disappointed...”

“N-no! Not at all! Don’t worry about it!” Walky replied in a loud voice.

Everyone around them gave appreciative glances towards Bonkers and whispered among each other.

“We’re saved!”

“Thank you, Bonkers! We owe you!”

“I thought he was a violent and scary guy, but when the time comes, we can count on him!”

The other citizens also smoothly decided on their room assignments.

With everyone's expectations rising, the construction of Pupu Train proceeded and the day of completion came on schedule.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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