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51-Year-Old Amazon Worker Says She's Homeless Because She Can't Afford NYC Rent With the $19 She's Paid Per Hour

An Amazon employee who works at the company's warehouse on Staten Island in New York City said she lives in her car in the building's parking lot because she can't afford rent in the city with the $19.30 she makes per hour, Vice News reported on Friday.

The woman, Natalie Monarrez, 51, has been homeless since 2019 after struggling to find affordable permanent housing while working for two other Amazon warehouses in New Jersey that paid her even less, Vice reported.

"Jeff Bezos donates to homeless shelters for tax write-offs and PR. He needs to know that some of his own workers (without family or a second income) can't afford rent," Monarrez told Vice.

"Jeff Bezos has no idea that his workers are homeless, especially in New York, and I'm not the only one. I'm hoping executives will agree to pay workers more and that they know older workers have the right to be promoted like everyone else," she added.

While rents in New York City have fallen about 12 percent since the onset of the pandemic, it remains one of the most expensive places to live in the country. The median asking rent for a one-bedroom in New York City in June was about $2,500, a Zumper analysis found.

Amazon did not respond to Insider's request for comment on this story.

Amazon has frequently touted its $15-per-hour minimum wage, which it introduced in 2018 following pressure from Sen. Bernie Sanders, as evidence that it treats workers well.

But Bloomberg reported in December that in 68 counties where Amazon opened its largest type of warehouse, average industry pay dropped by 6%, and that a study from the Government Accountability Office found that more than 4,000 Amazon employees across nine states are on food stamps — trailing only Walmart, McDonald's, and two-dollar store chains. Amazon disputed Bloomberg's analysis, telling the publication that most of its hires come from retail jobs that typically pay less than warehouse jobs.

Amazon has also avoided paying taxes that fund food stamps and other social-safety-net programs from which its workers benefit.

Despite earning more than $10 billion in annual net income every year since 2018, Amazon paid little or no federal income taxes in those years. Amazon previously told Insider that it pays all the taxes it's required to pay in the US and every country where it operates.

CEO Jeff Bezos, despite growing his wealth by $127 billion from 2006 to 2018, paid zero federal income taxes in at least two of those years, ProPublica reported.

Amazon has also been plagued by extensive reports over the years of grueling working conditions, injury rates far higher than the industry standard, and labor-law violations.

In April, Bezos said the company was working "to do a better job" for its employees, and that it would invest over $300 million in 2021 to make warehouses safer. He added that the company needed "a better vision" for how it creates value for its employees — "a vision for their success."

Last year, workers spoke out repeatedly about what they said was Amazon's failure to protect them during the pandemic — and in some cases, faced racially charged smear campaigns and illegal retaliation and terminations.

Following an unsuccessful attempt by Amazon workers in Alabama to unionize, workers at Monarrez's warehouse, which Amazon calls JFK8, have also sought to unionize. Chris Smalls, an organizer the company fired in March 2020, is leading the effort.

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by Anonymousreply 264June 25, 2021 9:09 AM

Why can’t she just live in an RV and shit in a bucket? Isn’t that what Amazon workers do?

by Anonymousreply 1June 22, 2021 7:55 AM

Slap a label on and mail herself through Amazon each night. Cheaper than rent.

by Anonymousreply 2June 22, 2021 7:59 AM

Let’s just brand her a socialist and move on, shall we?

by Anonymousreply 3June 22, 2021 8:06 AM

Some people get roommates.

by Anonymousreply 4June 22, 2021 8:07 AM

The problem is landlords, NIMBY policy, and real estate investors.

by Anonymousreply 5June 22, 2021 8:10 AM

In Britain a woman of her age would be eligible for higher rates of housing benefit for a one bedroom flat, she would be considered a little old for living with a roommate.

by Anonymousreply 6June 22, 2021 8:11 AM

This was a problem in the 90s and has only become worse. I like her quote about the true philanthropists are those who work full time but earn less than what they need to meet basic needs.

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by Anonymousreply 7June 22, 2021 8:13 AM

Housing is a privilege, not a right. Where are your bootstraps? Pull harder.

by Anonymousreply 8June 22, 2021 8:16 AM

Your country is rotting from within.

by Anonymousreply 9June 22, 2021 8:20 AM

Is she at one of those facilities that only schedules people for 11 hours per week?

by Anonymousreply 10June 22, 2021 8:22 AM

[quote]Housing is a privilege, not a right.

I know you think you're joking but this is the kind of thing Dataloungers say multiple times every single day, they just word it a little differently to avoid getting FFs for it.

by Anonymousreply 11June 22, 2021 8:24 AM

R11 Yes I was getting the jump on them with some snark. I’m waiting for them to tell me about a black man they know with no legs who was broke and became rich by spend his last 200 dollars on a hot dog cart. Or someone they know who works five jobs but is the happiest, most optimistic person in the world.

by Anonymousreply 12June 22, 2021 8:33 AM

I don’t think wages will catch up to the cost of housing. The cost of housing needs to fall. If it doesn’t, we are in for a rude awakening.

by Anonymousreply 13June 22, 2021 8:35 AM

People think you just move into a roommate situation. If you are living in your car your credit is probably fucked—and you probably don’t have money for a deposit. Unfortunately, poverty is actually harder in the US, and once you fall below a certain place, it can take years to recover, especially if you don’t have any family to help you.

Homelessness is not just drug addicts or the mentally ill, it’s people who no longer havre the financial means to afford even a small apartment, or gain employment that allows them to do so. I destroyed my health being underemployed and working two jobs to make ends meet during The Great Recession. I was poor, but not poor enough to qualify for any help. People think you can just work multiple jobs and there aren’t any repercussions to no days off, no sleep, long hours, etc.

by Anonymousreply 14June 22, 2021 8:49 AM

*have

by Anonymousreply 15June 22, 2021 8:49 AM

She made horrible life choices.

by Anonymousreply 16June 22, 2021 9:02 AM

[quote]Housing is a privilege, not a right.

WTF?

by Anonymousreply 17June 22, 2021 9:11 AM

[quote]Monarrez told Vice "Jeff Bezos has no idea that his workers are homeless...."

Of course he knows. He doesn't care.

by Anonymousreply 18June 22, 2021 9:17 AM

This sad tale of woe and misery has popped up all over local NYC news media and chats.

Bottom line is the woman earns about same ($40k per year if her $19/hr. is full time) as many service sector jobs, healthcare (such as nursing assistants, techs, etc..), Starbucks baristas, some doormen and other building workers, retail sales (aka shop bottoms), and the list goes on. Both NYC and NYS have tons of civil service jobs that pay about the same or in ballpark by a few thousand.

Only way persons earning such low income are going to find housing comes down to several choices.

Find a roommate or roommates

Marry or whatever some one and have a dual income household

Hit the lottery and get a low income rent regulated/lottery/affordable apartment

Move into public housing or some other income based place

Qualify and receive some sort of housing voucher such as Section 8

Live rough/homeless

Landlords here want to see 40x income to rent ratio. There are few to nil apartments on open market remotely cheap enough for a household living on $40k/year.

by Anonymousreply 19June 22, 2021 9:31 AM

Jeffy does not give a fuck that she is homeless. He lives on Mars.

by Anonymousreply 20June 22, 2021 9:35 AM

She works in Staten Island there is no need to live NYC. Christ.

by Anonymousreply 21June 22, 2021 9:38 AM

Housing needs to be a great deal more affordable. I know it would be a crazy and bold idea, but NY should consider turning an entire district in a affordable housing only zone. I mean, what's the point for rich people owning property in NY when the help can't even afford to live somewhat nearby, so they can commute to their bosses' fancy homes to clean them or work for them in general?

by Anonymousreply 22June 22, 2021 9:41 AM

2.5K/month rent is for pricey parts of NYC. She can find cheaper options in out boroughs. My friend has a nice 2 bed place in Brighton Beach and pays 1.6K/month.

by Anonymousreply 23June 22, 2021 9:44 AM

She never says she is willing only to live in Manhattan.

by Anonymousreply 24June 22, 2021 9:45 AM

I have been considering getting a tent, joining a gym just to shower and living on the street for a few years while still working full time but socking away as much money as I can. I can afford a place to live with what I make but it is cutting shit close and god forbid I lose my job because I have been applying to jobs for the past year and even paid a resume service to do my resume and I have gotten zero calls. I'm also 51 and find the prospect of being homeless terrifying but at this point, whatever. My pay hasn't gone up to match the cost of housing and if I stay in this job it never will. It SICKENS me to see all these news stories about how hot the housing market is right now and how people are paying cash for fucked up houses when most of us are just a few paychecks away from not being able to pay our rents or having to get roommates at our age because we made the horrible mistake of not buying a place when we were in our 20's or didn't have parents who helped us. Over. It. All.

by Anonymousreply 25June 22, 2021 9:47 AM

R23

Again to get that apartment for $1.600/month a LL would want to see 40x income to rent which means a household income of $64k per year.

Some LLs will go lower than 40x, but not very much because then there are worries about paying rent on time.

by Anonymousreply 26June 22, 2021 9:50 AM

Places like New York City, SF, Boston, LA and rest largely created this shortage of low income housing when they banned new construction of SRO hotels. Then turned a blind eye to landlords what used some very unsavory methods to empty places out so property could be redeveloped into high end housing.

Yes, some SROs were not much better than flop houses. But there were some pretty good ones and that is where people of low to even moderate means could find housing.

by Anonymousreply 27June 22, 2021 9:55 AM

My parents made sure that they would rather own a place than having to pay rent. I think in their generation, it was more common to set roots and rely on job security. And I know that times have changed, but it to me, it feels like paying someone rent is throwing money away (if you have the down payment for an apartment or family home, of course).

But NY is extremely expensive, that's for sure. Something has to change or that city will have a serious problem within a decade.

by Anonymousreply 28June 22, 2021 9:57 AM

[quote]Something has to change or that city will have a serious problem within a decade.

Now. Not in a decade.

by Anonymousreply 29June 22, 2021 10:00 AM

r26, I am not suggesting she should get the same apartment. But I am sure she can find a studio or a room in Long Island for under 1K/month. All of us (or most of us) had to to either start somewhere or start over (which is what she is trying to do). Wish life was easier.

by Anonymousreply 30June 22, 2021 10:00 AM

I dunno, how about we outlaw disgusting fuckers getting rich off an essential commodity like housing. That might help

by Anonymousreply 31June 22, 2021 10:04 AM

She should transfer to California----the state loves paying CORPORATE LANDLORDS money for rent....solved it...

by Anonymousreply 32June 22, 2021 10:07 AM

States Island is actually cheaper than Long Island and Long Island means a lot of money for gas and tolls on the Verrazano (and a miserable commute on the always congested bqe)

There’s no shame in having a roommate or renting a room in a private house to afford the cost of living in New York at any age.

by Anonymousreply 33June 22, 2021 11:52 AM

She almost certainly HAS looked for apartments in Staten Island r21, the first sentence of the article talks about "Staten Island in New York City," they're not distinguishing between the two places. So why are you? Just to make this all her fault?

by Anonymousreply 34June 22, 2021 12:08 PM

Can’t she just ask daddy for money? What about her Trust Fund?

by Anonymousreply 35June 22, 2021 12:13 PM

R34 I am not trying to make this all her fault. The relationship of housing costs to wages is completely dysfunctional in the United States. And the New York area was always more expensive than other places. There is no way she can afford a nice private apartment on her own on that pay anywhere in the tri-state area. And that is a shame.

I was refuting the idea (proposed by R30) that Long Island is cheaper. It isn’t. And I was also refuting the idea that a person over 50 would find it impossible to live with a roommate.(also proposed on this thread earlier.)

by Anonymousreply 36June 22, 2021 12:30 PM

I didn't say you were, r36, I was very clearly and obviously talking to r21, I linked to his reply and everything. I didn't say a word about your post.

by Anonymousreply 37June 22, 2021 12:34 PM

Then my apologies R37!!

by Anonymousreply 38June 22, 2021 12:43 PM

I live in an area where most homes are 2nd or 3rd houses. Some use their secondary homes for just a month a year. The rest of the time they sit empty. This poor woman works and has to live in her car. Sickening.

by Anonymousreply 39June 22, 2021 12:47 PM

Stop being poor—problem solved!

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by Anonymousreply 40June 22, 2021 12:48 PM

Even with a roommate, no one is going to rent to someone making $19/hr unless someone co-signs.

R23 said a friend who pays $1,600. But if you do the math that is more than 50% of this womans income would go to rent, so again, no landlord with rent to her. So the story is nice, but does not really apply here.

Sometimes young people can get a deal because...well people like kids....and the income of people in their 20s tends to go up. At age 51, her income will not go up. Nor will her parents co-sign.

by Anonymousreply 41June 22, 2021 12:50 PM

She can rent a room in Washington heights you have to share a bathroom but it’s a private room. About $200 a week.

by Anonymousreply 42June 22, 2021 12:51 PM

Here’s a solution, move somewhere else!

by Anonymousreply 43June 22, 2021 12:52 PM

Are boarding houses making a comeback?

by Anonymousreply 44June 22, 2021 12:54 PM

R41, I understand it's hard BUT when I was a foreign student at NYU I managed to get a decent living space with other people without any co-signors , applications or credit checks and right next to my campus. Just sublet.

Again, it's not an excuse for inequality and i am not wading into big issues but certainly one can find a solution to not live in car if you are able to get a job.

by Anonymousreply 45June 22, 2021 12:56 PM

I also got great deals (two of them!) on apartments while I was at NYU.

But when you are not a student, R45, you have to provide proof of income. The deals are harder to find.

My east village slumlord told me he just would give apartments to the applicant with the highest income (or whose co-signer had the highest income).

by Anonymousreply 46June 22, 2021 1:11 PM

Nobody is commuting from WASHINGTON HEIGHTS to Staten Island to work at Amazon.

The OBVIOUS solution that is socialist yet also hideously capitalist is for Amazon to build dormitories and replicate the working conditions of developing nations.

Sorry but that is where we are. If Amazon won't do this, cities with a high cost of living should REFUSE Amazon the right to build distribution centers in high cost of living areas.

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by Anonymousreply 47June 22, 2021 1:17 PM

A close friend of mine lived in Washington Heights and commuted every day to New Jersey to work in a factory. I think she did not that for like 20 years. You do what you gotta do. She never complained to anyone . Dominican lady now owns a small home in Dominican Republic and is still living in Washington Heights. Also her English is still not great. Do not live in NYC if you can’t afford or you don’t know how to hustle and make do.

by Anonymousreply 48June 22, 2021 1:23 PM

Yeah, fuck those poors.

by Anonymousreply 49June 22, 2021 1:29 PM

R14, you are right. I’m just about her age and would not love to be sharing a living space with a random person. But I did it in my early 20s. I had no credit then, either. Then again, landlords weren’t as strict back then.

She sounds like the kind of person who’s be living in a boarding house, back in the day. There used to be such things.

by Anonymousreply 50June 22, 2021 1:39 PM

^^ who’d

by Anonymousreply 51June 22, 2021 1:40 PM

Very sad.

by Anonymousreply 52June 22, 2021 1:43 PM

What’s fucked is that people are actually considering homelessness as an option so they can save money. It’s bizarre that housing is so expensive. I had a friend who worked for a big company yet was actually considering buying an old pedo type van and in living it to save money. A lot of big corporations pay relatively shit salaries yet say the pay is “competitive”. It’s shameful that we have been reduced to this in the US. All of you offering “just do this” have obviously never been there.

by Anonymousreply 53June 22, 2021 1:44 PM

The US has always been like this, a shithole.

by Anonymousreply 54June 22, 2021 1:46 PM

Just throwing around ideas, here. Is it unrealistic to have some sort of “dorm” for people in this woman’s situation? Small efficiency units where people can have a modicum of privacy and security?

I guess that goes back to the SRO and boarding house idea and nobody likes that.

There are also situations where younger people rent rooms from older people. When it works out, it’s great. But there’s potential for all kinds of problems.

I don’t know what the answer is. Better wages, cheaper living.

All the solutions I can come up are dependent on people not being total assholes, and we know how THAT goes.

by Anonymousreply 55June 22, 2021 1:49 PM

Guess what I have totally been there. Not making enough to live anywhere nice and not able to save money to get ahead. I am third Gen New Yorker btw. I finally left NYC I’m doing better but I was in a bad situation without family and resources.

by Anonymousreply 56June 22, 2021 1:54 PM

Bitch, why do you think people live in the boroughs? When I lived in New York 20 years ago, I could only afford to live in New Jersey and commute everyday. And I was supposedly a college educated professional.

by Anonymousreply 57June 22, 2021 1:56 PM

R57, New Jersey and the boroughs are too expensive for most hourly wage employees. And for a middle aged person it is hard to get a roommate situation.. If you had to choose between a roommate in their 20s or 30s versus a 51 year old warehouse worker.....who would you pick?

by Anonymousreply 58June 22, 2021 2:00 PM

People like Jeff Bezos and Trump, who make that kind of money - and pay zero taxes - should have everything taken away from them and forced to be homeless. I'm not a crazy snowflake, but I do believe the insanely wealthy should be taxed at an exceptionally high rate. No one needs as much money as people like him, Zuckerberg, Gates, etc., have.

by Anonymousreply 59June 22, 2021 2:06 PM

People who come from money or have money really do not get it.

I remember about 20 years ago, I was moving to Miami to take a job at a nonprofit. I had just turned 40. A co-worker who lived large on a small salary recommended a neighborhood on an island that had studio apartments starting at $1200/month. I told him that I could never afford that, and he said "I'm sure your family would help you out." He said that since I was getting my life together , he was sure they would be willing to support that.

He could not comprehend that my family had no money to give--and that as a 40 year old, they would never do so anyway.

At my new job, a donor's daughter heard about where I ended up living (in a $450/mo apartment) . She asked if I lived in a specific luxury building where the rents would total more than my income. When I said "No," she suggested that I look there because they had really great apartments and amenities.

The rich have no conception of what real life is like.

by Anonymousreply 60June 22, 2021 2:09 PM

If you're not wealthy, you really shouldn't even consider living in NYC in this day and age. It's just too expensive and you will be miserable if you don't have tons of $$$.

by Anonymousreply 61June 22, 2021 2:11 PM

Also, people do all they can to blame others completely for their own misfortune.

They do so, to avoid acknowledging the fragility of their own lives.

by Anonymousreply 62June 22, 2021 2:15 PM

Yes it’s a quality of life issue. In the 90s i had friends that would move to SF and in a year move back because they got sick of living in a shitty apartment with too many people and working all the time just to break even.

by Anonymousreply 63June 22, 2021 2:16 PM

I agree R61, and while we’re at it, let’s remove from the city all the stores, fast food restaurants, transport, all amenities that don’t pay enough to keep their workforce in the same city in which they operate. I’m sure the residents will appreciate the convenience of living without poors.

by Anonymousreply 64June 22, 2021 2:24 PM

I think it’s easier to blame someone for their own bad choices than address a larger issue such as how people who work full time don’t make a wage they can live on—or why affordable housing is more and more scarce. If you are judging people today based on realities you knew in the 60s-80s regarding getting by on a service job a la “Alice” —where a single woman with a child could get by working in a shitty diner for tips — you are living in a fantasy.

by Anonymousreply 65June 22, 2021 2:25 PM

Studio apartment in Staten Island usually costs about $800 a month fwiw.

by Anonymousreply 66June 22, 2021 2:26 PM

She needs to move or move in with some family or friends. Full stop. Her personal issues are not Amazon's issues. She accepted the job/salary and got what she got. NYC is an expensive city, she needs to ask Amazon for a transfer, get on a Greyhound and move. Since she's homeless she won't have much to pack. Find a shelter then join a church and ask for help. They will help.. Play the game to win or sit in NYC homeless.

Also, the city and state should be helping these types of people.

by Anonymousreply 67June 22, 2021 2:27 PM

She's probably in debt and has credit issues, R66, so she probably can't scarp together first months rent and/or a damage deposit. Once you get into a hole, it can be difficult to dig out.

by Anonymousreply 68June 22, 2021 2:29 PM

R67 is a typical republican -- who cares about these people,. they're probably just taking advantage of the system, and why can't they live with their loving families and take in all the enormous support that America offers.

Doesn't occur to these Trump-loving creeps that some people have no family, have no support, and the world, in turn, makes it almost impossible for them to find that support elsewhere.

by Anonymousreply 69June 22, 2021 2:31 PM

Wow, you really are an asshole, R67. I hope you are broke and homeless making shit for a billionaire one day, too.

by Anonymousreply 70June 22, 2021 2:32 PM

she should have squeezed out a few kids, those whores are gonna be getting 3000 a month form the govt soon.

by Anonymousreply 71June 22, 2021 2:34 PM

I met a homeless couple in nyc. They are elderly, the female is american and her husband is from UK. I asked her, don't you get lots of free benefits if you go back to the UK with him? She then tells me the list for all the free stuff is very long and you don't get much...and some new people get to be on top of the list (foreigners) so it makes it worse...I guess this is why they voted for brexit.

by Anonymousreply 72June 22, 2021 2:45 PM

This is r67. What did I say that was wrong? If she can't afford NYC, then she needs to leave NYC. I'd rather live anywhere else and have a roof over my head then live on the streets, even in a great city like NY. Greyhound tickets are cheap, it's obviously time to move because she's not getting any help from the city. Doesn't make me an asshole to say that if you can't afford a city and no ones willing to help that you should leave.

No different then going to a fancy restaurant when all you can afford is McDonald's Dollar Menu. If no ones going to cover your meal then sitting outside waiting for something isn't going to help, head to McDonald's. No shame in not making it in NYC. Not everyone has what it takes or the opportunities to succeed. She needs to move on so she can rebuild. Staying in such an expensive place is not a healthy decision if she's on the streets.

Shame on all of you for wanting her to continue on in misery and squalor. Also, I said the state or city should help. They aren't so fuck 'em and let this woman move on.

by Anonymousreply 73June 22, 2021 2:51 PM

This is r67 again. I'm not a trump supporter or a Republican. Please, Im a proud Democrat. But I'm also a realist. What good does it do for her to remain in NYC? Some say did it occur to me that she has no family? No shit. In m response I charted a path for her to rebuild. Starting with a church. I know it may pain others to hear this but they can be a good resource if your homeless. Get connected to a shelter then a church for assistance. Some bleeding heart Christian will be willing to do something. Gotta be strategic when your on the streets.

by Anonymousreply 74June 22, 2021 2:54 PM

I hope she is saving her pennies from living in her car so she has the money to move to a cheaper city. I met some guy pre covid who was renting a room, he then moved to ohio to drive for amazon.

NYC is not for everyone.

I wonder if she's from the area and if she has family who can help her out.

by Anonymousreply 75June 22, 2021 2:59 PM

[quote]Shame on all of you for wanting her to continue on in misery and squalor.

No one has said anything like that at all. People who think she should be able to afford housing where she already has a job and a life do NOT want her to live in misery and squalor. It's so ridiculous I can't believe you actually said that out loud. You're just mad because people called you out on what you said, and now you're lashing out like a child with "no YOU'RE the asshole."

by Anonymousreply 76June 22, 2021 2:59 PM

The richest man in the world doesn’t pay enough for his workers to keep a roof over their heads? It sounds like something out of Dickens, only he’d find it too extreme.

by Anonymousreply 77June 22, 2021 3:01 PM

R73, who do you expect to do all the jobs in NYC if you pack off the working poor? Those trust fund Brooklynites going to flip your burger for you?

by Anonymousreply 78June 22, 2021 3:04 PM

That's why don't support Amazon, but your stuff from the brand's website directly. Lots of fake shit on Amazon.

Jeff bezos got rid of health insurance for the part time workers at whole foods when he bought it....

So fuck this cunt and if his space stunt meets with an accident, I wouldn't shed a tear.

by Anonymousreply 79June 22, 2021 3:04 PM

Darling r76 millions of people want to be in NYC which is why it's so expensive, especially after the crime was under control, before the De Blasio era. I want a beachside home in the San Diego area? Am i entitled to that as well? I work. I pay taxes? Where's my home or rights?

I don't live in southern CA because I can't afford it There is no shame in that. I could move there an scrape by but I live in another city and live comfortably. Plus, there is work in my city. So when I say there is no shame in moving out of NYC it's because I'm one of the millions that can't live in these prime areas. It's ok, if her life gets on track she can always visit. But right now, she cant afford NYC.

BTW, Monaco has tons of workers that could no longer afford to live in the country and now commute from France. It's a shame but shit happens. They still get to visit but the area is no longer for them due to the prices. Not the end of the world, things change. The sooner we accept that the easier it is to swallow.

by Anonymousreply 80June 22, 2021 3:05 PM

R68, those are different issues from the ones she’s complaining about and the tone of this thread, though.

by Anonymousreply 81June 22, 2021 3:05 PM

also, just read up on stuff others who worked there have said. They value ROBOTS more than humans!!!

by Anonymousreply 82June 22, 2021 3:06 PM

R68, why would you assume she had debt or credit issues? I have been poor and not able to scrape enough money for first-last-and-security. It was simply the low wages that did it.

I eventually did go into debt over emergency dental bills. That destroyed my credit. But I could not afford to move before then.

by Anonymousreply 83June 22, 2021 3:09 PM

Once again well-off people cannot do math.

If she cannot afford an apartment, how can she afford to move to another city? Especially since it means giving up her job, so she will have no income.

by Anonymousreply 84June 22, 2021 3:12 PM

Bet the bitches saying she should leave NYC are some of the same ones who love to look down their noses at "flyovers."

by Anonymousreply 85June 22, 2021 3:14 PM

[quote] I want a beachside home in the San Diego area? Am i entitled to that as well? I work. I pay taxes? Where's my home or rights?

You're exactly the kind of person I was talking about on another thread this morning: the Datalounger who is so pathologically resentful of others that they take every news story they hear about someone being treated unfairly, internalize it, turn it into a rant that's nothing more than "I didn't get every wish fulfilled, why should THIS bitch get anything?" and then complains about it incessantly.

The bigger issue here is of living wages, property costs and the very basic, common sense need for a city to be able to house the service workers and working class they NEED for the city to function.

You're not up to talking about that, you're still stuck on "me me me," so just bow out now, "Darling."

by Anonymousreply 86June 22, 2021 3:15 PM

I mean if they look down on flyovers then it makes sense for the poor to be sent there. It's already a shit-hole so they may feel right at home.

by Anonymousreply 87June 22, 2021 3:15 PM

[quote]the woman earns about same ($40k per year if her $19/hr. is full time)

Who said she's full-time? Employers love to keep workers part-time, so they can avoid giving holiday/vacation pay and benefits to anyone they don't have to.

by Anonymousreply 88June 22, 2021 3:16 PM

if she has a car, if she can drive it, she can move.

by Anonymousreply 89June 22, 2021 3:24 PM

she has a job at amazon, she can ask for a transfer to a cheaper city!

by Anonymousreply 90June 22, 2021 3:25 PM

I love how casually people think others can just upend their lives and move to another city.

by Anonymousreply 91June 22, 2021 3:26 PM

Tough situation.

by Anonymousreply 92June 22, 2021 3:29 PM

She obviously made bad choices when younger. What was she doing before this job?

I know a cook in a chinese restaurant who owns two houses in Queens NY!

Many years ago, I waited tables in cafe/restaurants while in college, I met many illegals working off the books. One of them was a porter who managed to buy a house in Brooklyn, which he now rents out to other illegals.

by Anonymousreply 93June 22, 2021 3:30 PM

This entire situation backs up what I’ve argued on this site for YEARS, only to be shut down every time. I always say a lot of homeless arent drug addicts and alcoholics or mentally ill. That’s something white people tell themselves to not feel bad for them.

And you people saying “unless you’re rich you shouldn’t be in NYC”, that’s a message for the transplants. What about the natives being kicked around now because you wannabe no good motherfuckers HAVE TO LIVE YOUR DREAMS of living in nyc to pretend you’re living what Friends or SATC showed you.

by Anonymousreply 94June 22, 2021 3:30 PM

r91 she' living out of car. If anyone can up and move, it's this woman.

by Anonymousreply 95June 22, 2021 3:30 PM

[quote]I know a cook in a chinese restaurant who owns two houses in Queens NY!

Oh, well, that solves everything.

by Anonymousreply 96June 22, 2021 3:32 PM

I hear the airlines are hiring lots of ticket agents, those who do the check ins! Maybe she can try her luck there!

Or better, get a job with the TSA! It's a federal job, so better benefits?

by Anonymousreply 97June 22, 2021 3:33 PM

r91, people upend their lives all the time. I have moved countless times including to look for a more affordable place.

by Anonymousreply 98June 22, 2021 3:33 PM

[quote] Full stop.

Full fucking eyeroll.

by Anonymousreply 99June 22, 2021 3:36 PM

We don't know much of anything about this woman's life yet people are inventing a whole history for her, as if they know anything about her. Then they start comparing their own lives to hers, as if there's any comparison, as if it's relevant. It's still surprising to me that Datalounge is full of so many stubborn, incurious, self-absorbed people, I feel like it didn't used to be this bad around here.

by Anonymousreply 100June 22, 2021 3:37 PM

"full stop"? who even says that?

Americans say "period".

by Anonymousreply 101June 22, 2021 3:38 PM

America is her own worst enemy

by Anonymousreply 102June 22, 2021 3:38 PM

R100 because it wasn’t.

Gay men, even older ones, seem to have forgotten what it was like for gay men because they TV tells them they’re adored now. Now they look down on everyone else.

by Anonymousreply 103June 22, 2021 3:39 PM

Thank you R79. People need to stop buying crap from Amazon. Boycott Amazon. I shop online ALL THE TIME and I don't buy from Amazon. Online shopping is my hobby. If you can't find something in a normal online store, you can find it on Ebay.

Lots of good and important ideas being discussed here. I don't think anyone is trying to be mean. I am the one who has said FOR YEARS that the American West isn't really fit for humans. That is also a big problem that people don't want to face. I don't really know what the answers are but I'd love to know who on this thread shops on Amazon regularly.

by Anonymousreply 104June 22, 2021 3:41 PM

How about moving somewhere cheaper and working at an Amazon warehouse there.

by Anonymousreply 105June 22, 2021 3:44 PM

Are there no vacancies in this building?

Maybe she can take this unit after Miss Tennessee finally gets the sugar daddy she's been searching for.

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by Anonymousreply 106June 22, 2021 3:46 PM

How about you stay where you grew up? R105

by Anonymousreply 107June 22, 2021 3:46 PM

[quote] Some people get roommates.

people pay $3,000 a month in rent to have a bunch of roommates

by Anonymousreply 108June 22, 2021 3:53 PM

she needs to find a better job.

by Anonymousreply 109June 22, 2021 3:57 PM

R98, you moved with nothing in the bank and no job waiting? I somehow do not think so.

Usually, if you cannot afford an apartment, you cannot afford to move to another city.

by Anonymousreply 110June 22, 2021 4:09 PM

Besos could provide low income housing for strapped employees in small Amazon cities near his warehouses. Build rational, eco-friendly units and parlay this effort into some other billion dollar grossing project.

Eastern Block countries had a lot of this type of housing near factories during the Soviet era when it was understood workers required their basic needs met.

by Anonymousreply 111June 22, 2021 4:37 PM

I think it's no coincidence that the era of affordable housing was also the era of public housing. Plentiful public housing with affordable rents put a ceiling on private rentals, especially for low and middle income earners, which in turn keeps a lid on housing sales.

by Anonymousreply 112June 22, 2021 4:40 PM
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by Anonymousreply 113June 22, 2021 4:46 PM

Another

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by Anonymousreply 114June 22, 2021 4:47 PM

She earns $3300 per month, so probably has less than $1000 withheld.

At $2300 a month, I'm at a loss to understand how she cannot afford a living situation. While the average rent is $1600 for a 1bdrm apartment in Staten Island, a studio or roommate situation would be much less. Using the $2,500 average rent that includes Manhattan and extremely expensive rentals in posh neighborhoods is disingenuous.

We are not getting the full story here.

by Anonymousreply 115June 22, 2021 4:52 PM

She probably has debts. Lots of poor folks made poor decisions and took out those pay day loans which are insane. Desperate people do desperate things

Maybe she has medical bills ?

by Anonymousreply 116June 22, 2021 4:55 PM

Seriously, fuck Amazon, they were secretive about how many of their employees got covid etc.

Do not shop there!

by Anonymousreply 117June 22, 2021 4:59 PM

Not only that, this billionaire is a cheap cunt!!! He barely donates to charities.

FUCK him! I never wish ill health on anyone, but if he died when blasting off to space, no great loss.

by Anonymousreply 118June 22, 2021 5:02 PM

I agree with the posters who say that we don’t have enough information and there are likely contributing factors we don’t understand related to debt. I looked up average 1 bedroom rents by Staten Island neighborhood and they were less than I thought. And these are housing prices for listings that go through realtors. There’s a whole other real estate market in New York that tends to be cheaper that exists outside of the real estate offices like illegal two family houses and sublets. Posting a link. As a former poor with still to this day poor friends, real estate agent listings are for rich people only.

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by Anonymousreply 119June 22, 2021 5:11 PM

Remember when they were going to provide subsidized housing for public school teachers in Silicon Valley?

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by Anonymousreply 120June 22, 2021 5:37 PM

Amazon Woman (She’s Homeless)

Does she get free Prime Delivery?

la da dee, la dee da…..

by Anonymousreply 121June 22, 2021 5:39 PM

I have to laugh at the person who brought up that the airlines are short of staff. They’re just as bad as Amazon (American especially). And their lack of workers is entirely on them for their actions.

by Anonymousreply 122June 22, 2021 6:47 PM

[quote] Build rational, eco-friendly units and parlay this effort into some other billion dollar grossing project.

Not with the NIMBYs.

“The horror of having affordable housing! Near us?! Can’t the poors live elsewhere so as not to sully the neighborhood?”

by Anonymousreply 123June 22, 2021 7:10 PM

[quote] She earns $3300 per month

IF she works full-time, and that’s a big if.

by Anonymousreply 124June 22, 2021 7:11 PM

The issue with SRO’s or “dorm style living”. is that you only need one bad apple to ruin everything. The crazy lady with 15 cats, the senile man that has trash up to his ceiling, the woman that doesn’t wash properly, the guy with a raging case of athlete’s foot in a shared bathroom, etc. I lived in an $660 a month SRO in Hell’s Kitchen and it had all of these… but also a dozen hot looking male escorts and eccentric old ladies that I entertained- so that helped. I moved out the third year the bedbugs came back.

by Anonymousreply 125June 22, 2021 7:22 PM

I've lived down in Memphis, TN for some time but am not originally from the United States and actually have never been to either Long Island or Staten Island.

Bare with me.

Fed Ex is going to have their warehouses eventually be automated and Amazon and the like will eventually follow suit. In Memphis, corporate headquarters for Fed Ex, there is soon to be a robotics symposium partially hosted by Fed Ex about automaton in warehouses and all. I give things two years or so give or take.

The lady in the article obviously has some personal debt. Who doesn't? Why judge?

But when those warehouse jobs become automated it will be like with what happened to the car factory employees in Detroit. Amazon's hiring process for their warehouses screams soon to be automated in terms of their little online tests- I know that for sure because when one of their warehouses came to Memphis I let one of my neighbors use my desktop computer to apply for the gig and am a nosy thing.

The lady in the article should maybe come to Memphis. It's cheap as dirt to live here and I'm sure she could get a transfer. Live cheap and earn a certificate in something quickly and get a sustainable job before those jobs are run by robots.

by Anonymousreply 126June 22, 2021 7:32 PM

There's Webster apartments for women in NYC, but there might be an age limit.

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by Anonymousreply 127June 22, 2021 7:37 PM

You get jaded while living in NYC. It’s expensive and you give up little things along the way, get a roommate, live further out, the subway and all the little fees commuting go up. One of the last years I lived in the city my rent went up $400. At issue is to cover this, I have to do $1000 MORE income (before being taxed)- it meant until I could do so, I had to start cutting out entertainment, shopping, and eating out- ALL THE REASONS TO LIVE IN NYC! NYC is now a playground for for the wealthy, not the struggling.

She should’ve looked into moving while she was still comfortable- you make better choices if you’re sitting on some savings to do so. It is not a “god given right” to live in the city. Being “comfortable” is like the toad sitting in a pot of slowly heating water coming to a boil- but you’re too comfortable to make uncomfortable choices until it’s too late or something catastrophic happens and forces you to. There was a saying I heard that as a savvy New Yorker I kept close to my heart and heeded the 20 years that I lived and loved Manhattan- and so many people I knew didn’t-

“Everyone should live in NYC once in their life. But you need to know when to leave before becoming bitter about it”.

by Anonymousreply 128June 22, 2021 7:53 PM

I realize that no one here really gets how the roommate thing works.

Someone still needs enough money behind them to have the lease. (Few landlords will let non-family members share a lease.)

If you go into an apartment as the roommate, it is hard to do so in middle age. It is easier to kick out a kid, so that's what people look for in a roommate.

by Anonymousreply 129June 22, 2021 8:00 PM

Again, most of these comments scream TRANSPLANT views.

This woman is a NATIVE. It’s not the same as one of you who woke up and said you’re invading a city.

by Anonymousreply 130June 22, 2021 8:00 PM

[quote] Bare with me.

Slow down, Tiger. I’m going to need to see a pic first.

by Anonymousreply 131June 22, 2021 8:07 PM

[quote] “Everyone should live in NYC once in their life. But you need to know when to leave before becoming bitter about it”.

That’s from a “song,” Elder. And a damn good one at that.

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by Anonymousreply 132June 22, 2021 8:09 PM

She needs to crank that car and get as far out of New York city as possible. There are plenty of cities in New York state where she could live on that salary. Syracuse is a good example of a NY city with a relatively low cost of living. You choose to stay in NYC, you pay the price.

by Anonymousreply 133June 22, 2021 8:14 PM

Or transplants can know their place r133

by Anonymousreply 134June 22, 2021 8:16 PM

[quote] There are plenty of cities in New York state where she could live on that salary. Syracuse is a good example of a NY city with a relatively low cost of living.

Except that if she moved to Syracuse, she wouldn’t be earning the same amount.

Just like, say airline employees. Those who work in New York earn more than those in Dallas.

by Anonymousreply 135June 22, 2021 8:22 PM

Oh please. NYC doesn’t pay much more anymore.

by Anonymousreply 136June 22, 2021 8:22 PM

I did a search on this. An article on Vice says she is a native of Los Angeles and has no relatives in NYC.

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by Anonymousreply 137June 22, 2021 8:22 PM

R136, according to this site, New York City fulfillment agents are paid on average $18.83/hr.

In Syracuse, it’s $14.97/hr.

At full time that’s almost $160 a week, or over $600 a month difference.

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by Anonymousreply 138June 22, 2021 8:29 PM

She'd have a easier time of it living on $15/hr in Syracuse than $19/hr in NYC. And she'd also have a better chance at getting subsidized housing in Syracuse than in NYC.

by Anonymousreply 139June 22, 2021 8:33 PM

Landing a lottery housing lease is harder than finding a big dick nowadays.

by Anonymousreply 140June 22, 2021 8:50 PM

Sorry lady, we’re giving the cash to *young* people living on the street. Obviously you’re too ambitious with your fancy corporate job to get help. And too old.

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by Anonymousreply 141June 22, 2021 8:54 PM

I recall reading an article a few years ago by an economist who said post WWII a decent salary was where one can pay their rent with about 25-30% of their earnings. In the 1970s the criteria on rent was about 35-40% of their salary. Around 2000 it was 50% of the salary. Today's rent is probably 60% plus your salary. Rent costs increases are mainly due to property value and taxes, but earnings have remained steady for many people.

by Anonymousreply 142June 22, 2021 9:01 PM

Bottom Line: Do not even think of living in NYC in this day and age unless you're a white collar professional who is very well-compensated. The city is unaffordable for everybody else.

by Anonymousreply 143June 22, 2021 9:06 PM

I mentioned the cook in the chinese restaurant owning 2 houses in nyc...those cooks aren't paid a lot, only few hundred dollars a week.

I heard that many immigrants rent beds in chinatown.

by Anonymousreply 144June 22, 2021 9:12 PM

R144 it’s not much more than a small cage that they rent. They did this in Boston years ago, 50 people living in tiny metal cages that you couldn’t even stand up in.

by Anonymousreply 145June 22, 2021 9:19 PM

I feel for her but can't she rent a studio outside of the city and commute or ask for a transfer to a cheaper location?

by Anonymousreply 146June 22, 2021 9:30 PM

R145, where outside the city? All you have nearby is New Jersey, Westchester, and Long Island---and New Jersey is the only one in commuting distance for her job. It is not like she is going to get a cheap place there.

If you work out the travel costs, you do not save much (if anything) in New Jersey.

by Anonymousreply 147June 22, 2021 9:37 PM

If she brings home $2300 per month and is paying 1600 per month in rent, that leaves her with $700. Minus utilities which averages about 120-150 per month so now she's down to $550. Minus a month's worth of groceries which averages $350 per month so now we're at $200 left over. I'm 51 and have a clean driving record and my car insurance is$120 per month, so now we're at $70 left over to pay for whatever bills she might have or medical expenses etc so now we are in the negatives. So anyone saying she could afford $1600 per month is insane. Even if she ended up with something at $800 per month, that is better but still cutting shit very close considering most Americans have credit card debt, car expenses, doctor/dentist appointments and whatever treatment they require. I'm speaking as someone who has lived in single rooms my entire life (renting a room from someone, then moving into a bachelors apartment and now in a studio guest house. Yes, I've been frugal my entire life but now, when I'm able to afford something better, I will have to literally pay HALF of my take home pay to rent and it makes me ill just thinking about it.

by Anonymousreply 148June 22, 2021 10:10 PM

Bezos has more than enough wealth in his little pinky finger to provide crude housing for his overworked and mistreated workers. In fact, they'd probably be more loyal and thankful workers to him and his monopoly if he did. For shame!

by Anonymousreply 149June 22, 2021 10:14 PM

If she lives outside the city and commutes, she now has the added expense of gas so it doesn't really solve the problem that she's simply not making enough. When I was young and sometimes now that I'm old, I've taken on extra work to have extra money but at her age, the body becomes less and less capable of working so much. Nor should it have to.

by Anonymousreply 150June 22, 2021 10:19 PM

R132 Thanks! I knew I’d heard it from somewhere. One of my FAVORITE things was to quickly identify all the NYC scenes in the original “Law & Order” series. All the old timers I know that still live in NYC that aren’t rich either have a sugar daddy are pulling some sort of scam, know somebody, or the lease isn’t in their name. One was a realtor that lived unit to unit that he was staging to sell and would lie and tell people he was trading up. Winning the housing lottery means refusing certain work or to stop working the last few months so you don’t trip the maximum income ceiling.

Wanna know true love? When I took one look at my fiancee’s tiny rent controlled studio on 98th & Broadway (you could touch opposite walls spreading your arms) and quickly told him, “We’re not living here together”.

He gave up that $400 a month apartment he had for decades!

by Anonymousreply 151June 22, 2021 11:52 PM

[quote]My friend has a nice 2 bed place in Brighton Beach and pays 1.6K/month.

Your friend must be rent stabilized or living in a walk up because rents like that are few and far between in Brighton Beach now. I live in that area & everything is becoming "luxury" down here.

by Anonymousreply 152June 23, 2021 12:15 AM

Bezos is worse than Trump in some ways.

by Anonymousreply 153June 23, 2021 12:28 AM

R148. How dare you tell the truth?

by Anonymousreply 154June 23, 2021 12:40 AM

Id suggest she go home to Cali,but its not any cheaper. if she truly has no family or friends to lean on,then shes truly between a rock and a hard place,poor dear. The sad part is even shitty little towns want $1200 for a decent apartment now. I look at places Ive lived like St. Pete ,Denver ,Albany NY and the cost of housing there now boggles my mind. When I lived there it was a affordable .Really,what place is anymore ?

by Anonymousreply 155June 23, 2021 1:18 AM

Then move somewhere you can afford.

by Anonymousreply 156June 23, 2021 1:39 AM

Amazon already pays well above NYC minimum wage ($15/hr) for what amounts to an unskilled entry level position. Anywhere else in USA outside of some northeast areas and perhaps west coast the job would pay substantially less.

Employee compensation is based upon many factors but main one comes down to nature of position and duties involved.

That NYS and NYC are high cost of living places *and* also high cost of labor go hand in hand. Much of the latter results from state and local government policies that drive up costs for employers. They either respond by in turn raising their prices and or reducing exposure by hiring less workers or just closing up and moving elsewhere.

This woman's plight is not fault of Jeff Bezos or Amazon, no more than fact municipal workers (including newly hired FDNY, NYPD, corrections, court officers, and some others), often earn enough to qualify for food stamps and other welfare benefits. New York city forces developers of "low income/affordable" housing units to set aside apartments for municipal worker preference for a reason. I don't see many of those posting here going after BdeB or King Cuomo....

Majority of all rental housing in NYC falls under some sort of government regulation (rent controlled, rent stabilized, NYCHA, etc...), something like 61% or more. Economists on both sides of fence have been saying for years NY's rent regulation system distorts a housing market that is dominated by renters. But city and state have repeatedly simply doubled down on that bet and results are what they are.

It costs more to build anything in NYC than elsewhere in USA (surprise, surprise). This is reflected in how developers won't build rental housing below a certain price point (if at all) because the numbers just don't pencil out. It also explains why you see really nothing but luxury to high end condos and rental housing going up.

Even so called "affordable" housing lottery apartments aren't exactly cheap. In many cases tenants there are just like everyone else, will be paying one-third or more of monthly income towards rent.

What city needs is fuck tons of low income to destitute housing.

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by Anonymousreply 157June 23, 2021 1:40 AM

what's happening to those who didn't pay rent during the pandemic?

by Anonymousreply 158June 23, 2021 1:45 AM

R152

Invariably whenever someone boasts about some below market (especially well below) rent digging deeper one finds they are in rent regulated housing.

Worse many moved into those units two or more decades ago and if forced to find new housing today never would qualify by today's LL requirements.

Yet these people always moan about how they "don't see the problem...." "My or so and so's rent is only $$$ and they live in a nice apartment (insert any remotely desirable area of NYC).

by Anonymousreply 159June 23, 2021 1:46 AM

R158

See link below. Had to pass up several other links with better coverage as they are from NYT and other sources that always prompt "I can't open link" or "link is behind paywall" cries from incels and others who are internet challenged. Am not cutting and pasting entire article so.....

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by Anonymousreply 160June 23, 2021 1:50 AM

Meanwhile here is how California plans to roll.

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by Anonymousreply 161June 23, 2021 1:55 AM

Bottom line is federal, state and local officials caused much of LL and tenant woes with various moratoriums on evictions. Tenants have racked up in many cases substantial amounts of arrears, and LLs have a legal right and expectations to be made whole or at least in part.

Matter is complicated because while there are certainly many tenants who needed assistance, others took advantage and could, should and would have paid rent otherwise.

End of day on a state by state basis few sides are going to be 100% happy without comes. Some LLs are going to be forced to eat losses. Some tenants are going to lose apartments. Caught in middle will be politicians who will be called some very nasty names for decades.

by Anonymousreply 162June 23, 2021 1:59 AM

[quote]Worse many moved into those units two or more decades ago and if forced to find new housing today never would qualify by today's LL requirements.

This is nearly all of DL who live in NYC. They like to pretend they're basically heiresses and live the high life but the truth is that they're in the same rent-controlled rattrap hovels they've been in since the 70s and 80s and are living on $40,000 a year.

by Anonymousreply 163June 23, 2021 2:00 AM

Sounds like she’s dumb

by Anonymousreply 164June 23, 2021 2:01 AM

R163

It goes both ways. Plenty of gay and straight single and couples are holding onto cheap rent regulated housing, but also have a place in the country. Some also have a condo or other apartment say in Florida as well.

Worse when state changed rent control laws removing income caps those who could afford to pay substantially more now legally can hold onto that cheap rent regulated unit for life.

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by Anonymousreply 165June 23, 2021 2:11 AM

From original Vice article:

"At 51, Monarrez—a Los Angeles native—is single and has no relatives in New York City. After living out of an Extended Stay America motel in New Jersey for 6 months in 2019 while working at a nearby Amazon warehouse, she racked up thousands of dollars in credit card debt. So she gave up on her apartment search, moved into her car, and got a job at Amazon's Staten Island warehouse, which paid more than two other Amazon warehouses in northern New Jersey where she previously worked.

Monarrez says she applied for apartments with roommates and studios, but hit a lot of roadblocks. Much of the cheaper housing was strictly for students and residents over 55. Another common living arrangement was older men who were seeking girlfriends, which she didn't want. The prospect of living in tight quarters with other families with children and pets seemed really hard for a single person.

"After six months of searching, I thought I can't find roommates or afford a studio and moved into my car," she said. "A lot of my coworkers live with their families or in houses inherited from their parents. I don’t think we make enough money to afford rent here. We can pay for groceries and cars and gas and public transit, but we don’t make nearly enough to afford rent unless you have a spouse or family member who’s willing to share expenses."

/quote

First and foremost this woman's plight (as others predicted or assumed) stems in good part from choices she herself made. Why did she pack up and move from LA 3000 miles east to NYC metro area without a firm plan on housing?

Like others in her situation she has debts which act as a tax depleting much needed income each month.

by Anonymousreply 166June 23, 2021 2:35 AM

Do you guys not get it? The game is rigged. It's always been rigged after Reagan. Businesses pay just under (and sometimes a lot under) what it takes to survive in this world because they need us to need their jobs. The rents and home prices go up because people who started the game without it being rigged made it so. They could outbid hoard properties and then turn around and rent or sell those to people who also started the game before it was rigged or who inherited some wealth. The rest of us who have played the game for years now, know exactly how it's played...they send us credit cards promising small payments on stuff we couldn't afford to buy outright and the employers keep us just below a comfortable wage. We go to college because we were promised it would help us to win in the rigged game but in order to go to college, those of us not from wealth have to take out loans or if we're lucky, get grants. And then we enter into a rigged market, following the rules, working our 40+ hours and never questioning what we're doing because we have to have a place to shelter, clothing on our backs, and food in our bellies in order to continue producing whatever crap we're producing that other people are buying/charging, etc. because that's the cycle. In the meantime, everything around us goes up just a bit or the price stays the same but the packages grow smaller because they know that a little here, a little increase there will go unnoticed until it's too late.

The game is rigged and in the end you die. That's it. That's all this existence is and this whole "miracle of life" bullshit is just a way for people to convince you you are something more than what you really are...a slave.

by Anonymousreply 167June 23, 2021 2:57 AM

What did you buy on Prime Day?!

by Anonymousreply 168June 23, 2021 3:02 AM

Not a damn thing.

by Anonymousreply 169June 23, 2021 3:32 AM

[quote] The US has always been like this, a shithole.

Agree, and it’s likely to stay this way for the foreseeable future. Yet tens of thousands of people want to come to this shit hole country at any cost. Don’t they know what they are getting into, what awaits them here. This ain’t the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

by Anonymousreply 170June 23, 2021 3:35 AM

R157, it is Bezo's fault in so far as he is overcompensated.

Part of the reason the lowest level of workers cannot be paid a living wage is that the highest level are paid too much. In earlier eras the top level did not make quite so much in comparison to the lower level. Sure they made plenty, but not such crazy amounts more.

Amazon and Walmart cannot actually afford to pay as much as they are paying the people at the top. So they make it up by paying the people at the bottom less.

And they leave the taxpayers to pay for the relief programs and ER services needed for their employees to get by.

by Anonymousreply 171June 23, 2021 3:37 AM

[quote]In earlier eras the top level did not make quite so much in comparison to the lower level. Sure they made plenty, but not such crazy amounts more.

Very true. Sure they lived well, but not like the Dukes and Duchesses they live like now. Multiple mega-mansions and all of that. The overcompensation is insane.

To put it in perspective, you can search around for the homes of movie stars from the Classic Hollywood era. The houses of Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant etc. were certainly large and expensive, but by today's standards they would be more upper middle-class dwellings than "millionaire"-types homes. And these people were quite wealthy by the standards of the day. Everything is so excessive now. A C-Suite level executive at any random corporation in America lives in a house that's bigger and more grand than the houses movie stars of yore used to live in.

by Anonymousreply 172June 23, 2021 3:54 AM

I really don’t think it’s abhorrent that Amazon pays its warehouse workers $19/hr in NYC. I worked retail here (2007-2015) and never even made it to $15/hr, if I recall correctly. I could always afford rent, but I also had roommates and am 10 years younger than this woman.

Maybe her credit card debt is what’s hurting her. That wasn’t a great idea. God only knows why she did that. It isn’t Jeff Bezos’ fault.

by Anonymousreply 173June 23, 2021 4:19 AM

So by extension of some on DL it is Bergdorf's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and scores of other retail past and present in NYC that shop bottoms rarely made more than minimum wage (excluding those on commission and or high end luxury sales). Call out the National Guard!

by Anonymousreply 174June 23, 2021 4:51 AM

Has anyone signed the petition to deny Bezos re-entry when he takes his 11 minute trip to space next month?

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by Anonymousreply 175June 23, 2021 5:12 AM

Billionaire's should not exist...on earth, or in space, but should they decide the latter they should stay there.

by Anonymousreply 176June 23, 2021 5:14 AM

She should opt to be an Au Pair

by Anonymousreply 177June 23, 2021 5:18 AM

Obvious but missed point here; if this woman is working 12 hour shifts as full time, that's only three days per week. She can (and should) find a second job with other four days off.

Plenty of people in NYC who work "twelves" do just that including nurses and other healthcare workers.

Know and knew plenty of people through the years who worked second jobs while holding down a straight 9 to 5. The did retail or anything else they could find a few hours after work on weekdays, and or maybe one or two days on weekends for eight hours each day.

I'm sorry but in the end if you're not willing to help yourself the world does not owe you a living. Again if plenty of others are doing OT or part-time side gigs what makes this person and others like her special?

Restaurants, Starbucks, retail of all sorts along with other places are starving for full or part time employees atm. No one is saying you have to do it forever, just until you get in a better place economically.

by Anonymousreply 178June 23, 2021 5:32 AM

That's so republican of you, r178. No one should have to work that much just to live.

And yes, the world does owe you at least food, shelter and clothing. None of us asked to be born into this fucked up world.

by Anonymousreply 179June 23, 2021 5:36 AM

Life is unfair and the world does not owe us anything. I feel like your lot in life is mostly determined immediately from birth. If you're born lucky, you get to live comfortably. For those less fortunate, you have to be smart and adapt to survive.

by Anonymousreply 180June 23, 2021 5:59 AM

I feel for this woman, but, if the standard is $2500 for an apartment, Amazon would have to more than double her wages, which is absurd given the skills (or lack thereof) involved. There's a real problem with large cities not having affordable housing, but that problem is way bigger than Amazon which isn't even one of New York City's major employers. Our entire economy needs to be restructured to something that resembled the '50s with the highest earners having the highest taxes which incentivizes them to reinvest in their businesses and employees. That will never happen given the state of our politics, and, no, Republicans aren't solely to blame. Democrats aren't taxing the rich either.

by Anonymousreply 181June 23, 2021 6:15 AM

That higher taxes thing from 1950's is largely a myth.

Yes, on paper rates for businesses and higher income households were far higher than today, but virtually no one paid those rates thanks to deductions and credits. Successive reforms of US tax code largely closed many deductions and loopholes (yes, know good number still remain), which allowed rates to come down.

Further reforms of tax code are difficult to pull off for both democrat and republican presidents.

Joe Biden is starting feel hard push back from democrats (surprise, surprise) over his proposed tax reforms to raise funds for his spending plans.

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by Anonymousreply 182June 23, 2021 7:21 AM

R179

Life is unfair, and then you die.....

by Anonymousreply 183June 23, 2021 7:43 AM

[quote]I mean if they look down on flyovers then it makes sense for the poor to be sent there. It's already a shit-hole so they may feel right at home.

It can't be any worse than at 51 making yourself sick and homeless and still chasing the Carrie Bradshaw dream, can it?

by Anonymousreply 184June 23, 2021 8:27 AM

So, what is the answer, the solution? How do we liberate ourselves, R167 and everyone else? I am thinking at least in LA this woman would at least have nicer weather and plenty of fellow car dwellers. I have been following homelessness in LA on YouTube. It is sad and shocking.

I wonder what the full story is on this woman. Why did she end up in NYC?

by Anonymousreply 185June 23, 2021 8:27 AM

There isn't a huge solution per se unless you start going down the path of true socialist governments, and impose tax burdens on everyone else to pay for things state is giving away.

Even so it largely won't solve issues like homelessness and poverty. UK, France, Germany and other European countries have crushing tax burdens on households and businesses to pay for extensive social spending schemes. and they all still have poverty and homelessness. Maybe not to levels seen in SF, LA or NYC, but never the less such things hardly have been wiped out.

If someone reaches age of 51 and best they can do is traveling across USA to find better paying minimum wage employment, it speaks to issues that should have been addressed years ago.

Again there are others in same demographic as woman in OP and somehow they manage. Instead of taking up residence in Pity Me Pines Hotel they actually take steps to get things together.

by Anonymousreply 186June 23, 2021 8:41 AM

That linked article in OP and others like it are what they are; hit pieces tagging on to the hatred for Amazon and growing feeling in some sectors about "inequality" and so forth. This is no different than railroads were treated in their day, factories came next, and so on.....

Nil to none major news outlets picked up this story. But every "woke" online news media has, which tells you something.

A real journalist would have asked some serious questions to provide a balanced article. Such as why Natalie Monarrez has come to be in situation she's in.

No one forced Ms. Monarrez or anyone else to work at Amazon. If people feel they can do better elsewhere, there's the door and we wish you well in future endeavors. Why is this woman 51 and bouncing around the country chasing low wage jobs?

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by Anonymousreply 187June 23, 2021 8:51 AM

Do you know how many “low end” jobs there are in the US, R187? Like it or not, this country needs millions of these workers just to function. They may not be skilled workers, but they are what Jeff Bezos needs to make his billions, and they should be appropriately compensated. Jobs are about paying people for their time and labour, not their education level.

Not everyone in a society can be a college graduate, white-collar worker, FFS. How can you people not get it? They can’t all just “move somewhere else.” The phrase “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” comes to mind.

by Anonymousreply 188June 23, 2021 10:13 AM

Corporate dormitories. But there should be limits on the rend charged, just to tamp down and window dress that the USA is returning to indentured servitude. Also budget retail pharmacy and grocery should be on "campus" - not a high priced company store.

by Anonymousreply 189June 23, 2021 10:38 AM

The jobs are no different than assembly line work pre WWII which unions help to change into financially secure working class and lower middle class livelihoods.

I grew up in a suburban development filled with educated dads and working class dads and we were living roughly equivalent lifestyles and it was wonderful.

by Anonymousreply 190June 23, 2021 10:43 AM

Of course the working class dads did jobs in trade where they built many skills over their working life. Trades like car mechanic and construction work eventually build into very skilled work. Anyhow my dad was an Engineer with a masters.

50s-70s was this time in USA.

In Europe it's holding somewhat, and there is better safety net to pick up the precarious at the bottom.

by Anonymousreply 191June 23, 2021 10:45 AM

[quote] Obviously you’re too ambitious with your fancy corporate job

Fancy corporate job as an order fulfillment clerk all day or all night?

by Anonymousreply 192June 23, 2021 10:55 AM

"... it speaks to issues that should have been addressed years ago."

Well smell you, Mary. We didn't all go to Harvard.

by Anonymousreply 193June 23, 2021 11:06 AM

The minimum wage should be tied to inflationary increases in the cost of food and housing. Minimum wage stagnation coupled with the reliance on housing as an investment as opposed to I dunno housing is driving a lot of the financial dysfunction.

I know most people on DL aren’t religious, but all three Abrahamic religions have texts that consider it sinful to steal labor. Working for a living should make it possible to afford a life. 1 Timothy 5:18. This is an area where houses of worship ought to have a larger voice in the public sphere.

That all said, individual chooses do have an impact. I am a contemporary of the woman in the article and I would most happily live in close quarters with children and pets rather than be homeless. It is absolutely the case that a lot of the housing stock on Staten Island is in private houses and those people have children and pets. I am not blaming her, just saying that different people have different priorities and the outcome I see as the worst, to someone else might not be as bad as something I see as fine and normal.

by Anonymousreply 194June 23, 2021 11:22 AM

Choices not chooses

by Anonymousreply 195June 23, 2021 11:23 AM

I’m going to hang out by an Amazon warehouse and seduce every hawt looking guy into opening an Onlyfans account!

by Anonymousreply 196June 23, 2021 11:37 AM

When I first moved to NYC, I only had $300 in savings. I slept on an inflatable mattress at a friend’s and had to hide all my personal belongings and pretend to be visiting because the elderly couple that owned the house and loved nearby were nosy, came around all the time and didn’t want a third person living there- I felt like an intruder my entire stay. There was a gorgeous and lush backyard, but cordoned off and we weren’t allowed to use it. One day I left a greeting card out on a side table and the other roommate chided me to put it away- even though I was paying a third of the rent.

I vowed that day to get out and find a job and an apartment and pounded the sidewalks 12 hours a day- until I did. Something shifted in me that day and that determination is very much a part of my integrity and who I am today. The very day I got a decent job I packed all my things and went out and rented a small room by myself.

We have to be careful to keep asking for bailouts, forgiveness or to completely cancel out loans and rent.

by Anonymousreply 197June 23, 2021 11:49 AM

We will never have effective “tax the rich” policy because Congress knows who keeps them in power. At most, Congress will write legislation with several loopholes. Even Bernie Sanders owns three houses.

by Anonymousreply 198June 23, 2021 11:56 AM

R187, the problem is she cannot do better.

Amazon is profitable, so why will it not pay a living wage?

An economy where businesses do not pay a living wage as a way to increase profits, is unstable. It cannot continue indefinitely like that.

When a certain critical mass is reached we will see more events like Jan 6, except this time it will be aimed at business.

by Anonymousreply 199June 23, 2021 12:19 PM

What’s with the asshole who refuses to use the word ‘the’?

Your posts are fucking annoying and almost unreadable.

by Anonymousreply 200June 23, 2021 1:18 PM

The problem some of this is that while reforming tax laws is a good first step in addressing the issue, we automatically assume that this is somehow will solve thew issues like the ones this woman is facing.

The reason she ended up where she is now are more complex and in part it's Amazon and corporate sector, in part it's government and the way public funds are used, but it is also in part her responsibility as well. You can throw money at people and give them shelter but that doesn't mean that money you give out will be used by people responsibly. I would certainly question the woman's ability to make sane fiscal decisions and not end up in another financial problem based on what I read about how she got here.

by Anonymousreply 201June 23, 2021 2:57 PM

Curious, what and where did you read about how she got here.

by Anonymousreply 202June 23, 2021 3:44 PM

R202 I am not R201 but I am assuming the cut and paste from the article R166 kindly provided.

by Anonymousreply 203June 23, 2021 4:20 PM

R166, maybe she thought if she had a job paying more than minimum wage, she would be able to find an apartment?

For most of us, that would seem to be a reasonable assumption.

by Anonymousreply 204June 23, 2021 4:23 PM

Thanks, ElderLez. I didn’t read that article. My fault.

by Anonymousreply 205June 23, 2021 4:49 PM

Guess you were wrong, R130, hey?

by Anonymousreply 206June 23, 2021 5:06 PM

I think many of the people on this board are living alone, right? That makes things MUCH more difficult. If you are part of a couple, finances are easier. People have touched on this but it really is an issue with no good answers. Some people choose to be alone, some people never met The Person, and so on and so on.

by Anonymousreply 207June 23, 2021 5:09 PM

[quote]I think many of the people on this board are living alone, right? That makes things MUCH more difficult. If you are part of a couple, finances are easier. People have touched on this but it really is an issue with no good answers.

This is an excellent point. Government offers nothing to single, childless people. How about a tax deduction for that the fact that we are not overpopulating the world, creating more people who will use the world's resources and get sick requiring additional money spent on healthcare?

by Anonymousreply 208June 23, 2021 5:14 PM

It can't be stressed enough that you shouldn't even think about moving to NYC unless you're a white collar professional who makes a high salary, and/or you have family money/a rich significant other to supplement it. The city is crazy expensive and you just can't live in it at a comfortable level anymore unless you have a ton of $$$.

by Anonymousreply 209June 23, 2021 5:41 PM

I don't know why this woman is wasting her time in NYC. I agree with other posters that she should transfer to an Amazon warehouse in a lower cost-of-living area (she already has a car) where she could afford to rent an apartment.

There are Amazon warehouses in Dedham, Holyoke and Fall River MA, for example, and she could definitely find a studio or one-bedroom to rent in those areas.

by Anonymousreply 210June 23, 2021 5:50 PM

R209, and yet as so many people on this thread show, it is still assumed by many that if you work full-time you can get an affordable place in one of the boroughs, Staten Island or NJ--or that you can get a roommate and rent an apartment.

Most of the people on this thread seem to think this is possible, so it is not surprising this woman did as well.

by Anonymousreply 211June 23, 2021 6:04 PM

Most of the people on this thread, like much of DL, are old shut-ins who stopped paying attention to the world circa 1985 and think everything is still the same.

by Anonymousreply 212June 23, 2021 6:11 PM

The average Amazon warehouse worker in MA, makes less than $30,000 per year.

The average rent for a one bedroom in Dedham is $1,900.

I know everyone wants to make this into the story of one women making bad choices, but the difficulty is baked in.

I have been in her position and it is only by dumb luck that I got out of it.

A system that demands that a worker never make a bad choice, or have medical bills, or save for retirement is one that will continue to fail.

by Anonymousreply 213June 23, 2021 6:13 PM

r213 you're obviously not familiar with the area and just did a quick Google search. Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester are where most of the Dedham warehouse workers live.

by Anonymousreply 214June 23, 2021 6:17 PM

Only the rich should be allowed to live!

by Anonymousreply 215June 23, 2021 6:19 PM

R214, I just looked up Jamaica Plain. The average one bedroom is $1,700.

Roxbury is less clear but it seems to be over $2,000.

And Dorchester is $2,000..

Not much different

by Anonymousreply 216June 23, 2021 7:09 PM

r216 you have to know where to look and there are roommate situations as well. Lots of Amazon warehouse workers are able to afford housing in those areas.

by Anonymousreply 217June 23, 2021 7:20 PM

[quote] the story of one women

Oh, dear!

by Anonymousreply 218June 23, 2021 8:59 PM

R216, people on this thread say the same thing about New York.

It would be foolish to transfer to the MA location since without a place to live. Low-cost landlords (and smart tenants) do not rent long-distance sight unseen.

by Anonymousreply 219June 23, 2021 9:19 PM

Amazon should be forced to either pay people a living wage or forced to build dormitory housing near their DCs for those who can't afford their own place.

by Anonymousreply 220June 23, 2021 9:31 PM

I think this is more on the government for doing a shitty job. And unless we get mostly The Squad types in office, nothing will be done.

by Anonymousreply 221June 23, 2021 9:39 PM

An Amazon warehouse recently opened up in the Toledo, OH area. They also put in an office complex as well. Would she be able to transfer to an area far from where she is now located and retain her same rate of pay? If so, she would be able to rent in the Toledo area. Granted, it might not be in the best neighborhood or the best apartment but it may be better than living in her car. Also, many of the fast food places and such are looking for help right now. She might be able to pick up a second job.

by Anonymousreply 222June 23, 2021 10:15 PM

If she gives good head, why not sell yourself for extra cash?

by Anonymousreply 223June 23, 2021 10:21 PM

This woman should have remained in CA, state coffers are so full of money they're busting at the seams. Much of that surplus will be given to the poor or others in great name of "equality".

New York while a generous welfare state isn't yet spending that kind of money.

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by Anonymousreply 224June 23, 2021 10:45 PM

R190 "The jobs are no different than assembly line work pre WWII which unions help to change into financially secure working class and lower middle class livelihoods."

And look what happened to all those jobs, employers packed up and moved things in whole or part out of USA to take advantage of cheaper labor elsewhere.

America's once great manufacturing sector was hollowed out starting in 1970's and kept going since in response to several factors, chief among them labor costs.

One of the reasons persons like yourself keep harping on about making these minimum wage jobs into more than they are is simple, gap between skilled or educated labor versus not keeps growing.

Ever increasing advances in technology have allowed factories and anyone else to downsize need for unskilled labor including assembly line workers. Those that still exist such as in automobile industry are vastly different than say forty or fifty years ago.

by Anonymousreply 225June 23, 2021 11:40 PM

[quote]It would be foolish to transfer to the MA location since without a place to live. Low-cost landlords (and smart tenants) do not rent long-distance sight unseen.

FFS Southern Mass is a 2 1/2 hour drive. Easy peasy to relocate from NYC.

by Anonymousreply 226June 23, 2021 11:45 PM

Moving is always "easy peasy."

Are you 12?

by Anonymousreply 227June 23, 2021 11:51 PM

r227 if you already live in NYC, relocating to Southern MA isn't that difficult.

by Anonymousreply 228June 24, 2021 12:05 AM

Certainly, because moving anywhere is easy peasy and cheap!

by Anonymousreply 229June 24, 2021 12:14 AM

Please!

This woman doesn't need to move anywhere else in Northeast, period.

Having already brought herself to NYC chasing higher wages at local Amazon, even if she could find housing in MA (which I doubt) her other issues still remain. Her wages aren't going to increase magically by picking up house yet again. Nor will her job at a MA Amazon warehouse be substantially different than here in NYC. She's already stated in linked OP article and elsewhere roommate situations aren't exactly her ideal living situation IIRC.

by Anonymousreply 230June 24, 2021 12:19 AM

R170

People come here from "shit hole" countries like South America and elsewhere because even lowest of things here are vastly better than elsewhere.

Free public education for children (complete with meals, books, laptops, special education if needed,etc....), free or reduced healthcare for themselves and or same. Work they find either on or off the books pays them vastly more than would earn back in home country. They can also start businesses, buy a home, and in many parts of USA live quite a good live as even as illegals. Oh and don't forget any children born on American soil are automatic citizens, so they have an in that way as well.

by Anonymousreply 231June 24, 2021 12:28 AM

[quote]Certainly, because moving anywhere is easy peasy and cheap!

Getting a job transfer, like this woman could do, makes it a helluva lot easier.

I realize that many of you haven't crawled out of your bolt-hole apartments in two or three decades and have no idea how things like this work, but it's not as hard as you think.

by Anonymousreply 232June 24, 2021 12:30 AM

I always laugh when spoiled rotten Americans complain about what a "shit hole" the US is. They have NO IDEA what it's live in the rest of the world, or how fortunate they really are.

by Anonymousreply 233June 24, 2021 12:31 AM

r230 it would definitely behoove her to relocate. There are places in the Northeast that aren't as expensive as you think they are.

by Anonymousreply 234June 24, 2021 12:32 AM

R233

Exactly!

by Anonymousreply 235June 24, 2021 12:47 AM

Where are you from R234?

by Anonymousreply 236June 24, 2021 12:52 AM

R234

No one said this woman shouldn't relocate, just not from one HCL area to another. Especially without this time doing far more research than before.

However again the basics of her situation aren't going to change; she's an older woman apparently lacking skills and or education to land anything better than minimum wage/low skilled employment.

Wherever she goes this person is going to run up against same obstacles, just like many others in same situation.

by Anonymousreply 237June 24, 2021 12:54 AM

Holyoke and Fall River MA are lower-income communities in some neighborhoods. I love posters who think all of the Northeast is some rich person's paradise. It isn't, believe me.

by Anonymousreply 238June 24, 2021 12:56 AM

Moving is expensive anywhere, dumbfucks.

by Anonymousreply 239June 24, 2021 12:58 AM

R225 sorry hunty you miss the point. Work is work. You can call Amazon workers unskilled but they need skills to last there, such as how to survive a hectic and abusive job. And it is also physically very difficult work.

All workers who get up and go to work and do it successfully are being constructive members of society and they deserve a living wage. Its the SAME argument that was made to create labor unions a 100 years ago.

Amazon is devouring labor and spitting it out. Amazon would not exist without these workers, 100s of thousands of them, and American consumers would not have these products and this convenience without these workers.

by Anonymousreply 240June 24, 2021 1:10 AM

Right R240. And Bezos' wealth makes it clear that Amazon has enough money to pay a living wage, but chooses not to.

by Anonymousreply 241June 24, 2021 1:14 AM

Bezos is not the sole beneficiary of Amazon profits. His wealth is based on stock price, special options, and dividends.

Amazon and all the corporations who exploit cheap workers and exploit the us willing to pay food stamps for such workers and maybe health care too, all these corporations like fast food and big box and meat processing etc etc - they are retuning profit to middle class and rich people who own the stock. Up to the 80s' the shareholders did not control the money flow, and corporations could return profit to salary and benefits and pensions for its workers.

by Anonymousreply 242June 24, 2021 1:25 AM

People are greedy greedy greedy. And the US Dillinger capitalism and the REFUGS let the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. America IS most definitely a shit hole compared to other *rich" countries that do not treat their poorest citizens so cruely.

by Anonymousreply 243June 24, 2021 1:28 AM

The other "rich" countries are very homogenous, demographically. Therein lies your answer.

by Anonymousreply 244June 24, 2021 1:29 AM

R242, as you point out, Bezos is not the sole beneficiary, which means there is even more money there given to a group of people at the top..

The money is coming from Amazon. However they justify it, they have enough money to pay huge sums to top execs. The choice is being made to give a disproportionate share to them by cutting out the people on the ground making the company a success.

Obviously there is no reason that they cannot pay a living wage to all their employees.

by Anonymousreply 245June 24, 2021 1:32 AM

The money is going to middle class and rich investors in stock markets. Middle class people, and middle class public pension funds, were forced to play the stock market. The money is not going just to top executives. It's going to my brother and sisters and my friends, too.

My point was until the 80s the money went to workers as well. But that is no longer true for the working class. And the Ayn Rand REFUGS make sure of it by not raising minimum wage to keep up with inflation.

by Anonymousreply 246June 24, 2021 1:36 AM

Jeff Bezos has a modest salary. His wealth is based on his stock. God, people really don't have a clue how this works.

by Anonymousreply 247June 24, 2021 1:40 AM

Rich people do not pay their share of taxes, corporations do not either, and the corporations shovel profits through stocks to the rich, and some to middle class market investors. All the wealth is going up because the REFUGS stamped their feet and hijacked the government to make it so. The weak Dems don't fight it, and some of the DEMS are part of the Powers that Be and are very wealthy and are content with this system.

by Anonymousreply 248June 24, 2021 1:42 AM

R246, so again, they have enough money to pay top exec and give money to investors.

But they only can do that because they are not meeting their real expenses. They are cutting back on wages, to artificially inflate profitability.

But an economy where a full-time worker does not make enough to live is headed toward collapse.

by Anonymousreply 249June 24, 2021 1:43 AM

R247, that is Amazon stock, is it not?

Amazon is choosing to pay stockholders rather than workers.

How hard is this to understand? It is simple math. Amazon is not paying one sector, so that it can pay another.

Execs vs workers Stockholders vs workers

Bezos money may not be salary, but it comes from Amazon nonetheless.

by Anonymousreply 250June 24, 2021 1:46 AM

I'm trying to explain to you that the billionaire CEOs are often not getting rich through salary. THE PROFITS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE RICH THROUGH THE MARKET. The working class and to some extent the lower middle class cannot invest in the market, nor in real estate. And they have 1980's wages.

Read some Marx. It's simple. The only change is that so much wealth transfer is done through the markets and the SKILLED and educated labor force was FORCED to invest in the market and now have a stake in the working class being abused and denied a share of corporate profits.

by Anonymousreply 251June 24, 2021 1:47 AM

But yes we agree that corporations decided labor is completely dispensable and no regulations stop them from doing so. Yes we agree, they are not paying workers and giving them secure lifestyles. A full-time worker at WalMart does not have financial security and that and Amazon are big employers.

by Anonymousreply 252June 24, 2021 1:50 AM

So you are saying his wealth comes from non-Amazon stock, R251?

Are you sure that it is not coming from the dividends Amazon pays out to stockholders?

by Anonymousreply 253June 24, 2021 1:55 AM

Non it comes rom Amazon stock which he can sell or split and surely by now he is invested elsewhere, too.

by Anonymousreply 254June 24, 2021 1:58 AM

Lets say Amazon decides to pay 1,000,000 of its 1,2 million workers 10 bucks more an hour, and give them paid vacation. If a work week is 40 hours each worker has 2080 hours a year. That is roughly 20K more a year.

20,000 x 1,000,000 is 20,000,000,000 a year less to return to the rich through the markets. Now throw in a health plan and regular wages and longevity. (Amazon fires most of its "unskilled" workers with a few years, max)

The clever move of the Dillinger Capitalists and the REFUGS is to get skilled middle class people BAKED into the market providing returns to keep them financially secure (retirement). And to keep providing them discount product because the American economy runs on vast over consumption of consumer goods.

So in fact, It's not jus the uber rich who want the workers at Amazon to be abused. It's everyone who profits by them being abused .

Its kind of a return to indentured servitude. There are classes of workers in USA with no future.

by Anonymousreply 255June 24, 2021 2:05 AM

Since these workers are effectively serfs, the corporation should provide them shacks to live in, rather than their cars. China even manages to give their factory serfs warm beds to sleep in and access to showers, laundry, and communal kitchens.

by Anonymousreply 256June 24, 2021 2:17 AM

All of these people positing that middle class retirement plans being invested in industries that exploit workers is some sort of newfangled USA only situation would be shocked (shocked!) to read Zola’s Germinal.

by Anonymousreply 257June 24, 2021 2:17 AM

Trickle down scat queens created this shitty mess. And they are not finished ripping off the taxpayers of this country yet. 401ks are being used to purchase subdivisions, creating artificially RE high prices AND shortages. Grifting scum.

by Anonymousreply 258June 24, 2021 3:09 AM

She's homeless.

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by Anonymousreply 259June 24, 2021 3:12 AM

Looks like Joe might be reading this thread:

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by Anonymousreply 260June 24, 2021 8:49 PM

I can see Amazon building dormitories for their workers.

by Anonymousreply 261June 24, 2021 9:09 PM

The problem is where. With NIMBYs you won’t find a place to put those dorms.

by Anonymousreply 262June 24, 2021 9:12 PM

Interesting NYT piece on how Amazon rolls employee wise.

And no, am not going to cut and paste entire rather long article. If you cannot get round paywall (which didn't pop up when story was found on Google), can't help you.

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by Anonymousreply 263June 25, 2021 7:20 AM

Things could be worse; Amazon only pays $15/hr. out on Long Island apparently.

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by Anonymousreply 264June 25, 2021 9:09 AM
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