The Big Squeeze by Steve Greenhouse

Just finished reading "The Big Squeeze: Tough Times for the American Worker" by Steven Greenhouse. Greenhouse is the labor correspondent for the New York Times. This book is a much need telling of the problems facing the middle and working class in the United States. The book outlines different areas where the low wage workers are struggling. He recounts stories of low pay, few benefits, cruel treatments and lack of job security.

Some of the stories and engrossing but a bit long. And they picture the very worst of corporations squeezing employees. Others describe discrimination and harassment. There is a story on health care problems. There are stories of targeting union organizers, locking sick workers in wal mart, companies exploiting immigrants and cheating low wage employees by altering time cards. Also, the chapter summaries is too short.

Greenhouse believes that we are at the end of the great social compact started after WW II. The compact was that wages would match productivity. However during the 1980's society and corporations have squeezed employees and kept more of the returns from work. Wages have stagnated ever since.

He believes that several factors have put the US working class in a poor position: globalization, corporate greed, shrinking unions and anti-labor government policies.


While most of the chapters cover problems, there is one chapter covering some companies that treat there employees well. These companies provide decent wages, health benefits and flexible work policies.

His last chapter lists his prescriptions for helping American workers.
1. fight wage stagnation by raising the minimum wage. He recommends linking the MW to the local minimum cost of living.
2. Stopping wage theft. Increasing enforcement against illegal workplace actions by management and corporations.
3. universal health coverage
4. increasing retirement security
5. encouraging the labor movement
6. having an honest discussion about globalizations effects on workers.
7. supporting education
8. and most importantly respecting workers

You can skip some of the anecdotal stories to save time but you must read the last chapter. I also like the chapter on companies that treat their workers well.
Overall is a good read the the problem facing american workers.