Essential -- A Documentary about America's Working Class and the Challenge of Income Inequality

"Essential" is a documentary film that exposes the extreme economic vulnerability that income inequality has created for millions of working class Americans. Viewed through the lens of the Southwest Carpenters Union, and featuring numerous experts, the film examines how unionization in the 20th Century created the largest middle class in the history of the planet, but union demise in the 21st Century has created income inequality that is reaching levels not seen since the Great Depression.
Made by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Jack Baric and producers Matt Heller and Heather Rutman, the film includes interviews with thought leaders such as Senator Alex Padilla, Father Greg Boyle, Governor Steve Sisolak, Heidi Shierholz, Saru Jayaraman, Manuel Pastor, Arlie Hochschild, Kent Wong, Andrew Winnick, Danny Feingold, Amber Sheikh, and Carpenters Union leaders Pete Rodriguez, Frank Hawk, Dan Langford, and Anthony Fagan.

[@Stacie45]

When the pandemic hit I was deemed an "Essential worker" and handed a letter saying I was needed onsite at my job. I thought it meant I was important. What I learned was it meant I was a low-level laborer, and the administrative elites were the people working from home, enforcing attendance rules on me that they were not subject to. They got to hang out with their pets and kids, getting paid more than us, while we did the actual work.

[@Lppolymath90]

Welcome to plutocracy, my friend...

[@joshlidowdie24]

Schindler's List 🌋🌋👺👹👹👹🌋

[@davidmanis3052]

That’s what most would’ve rather done…. Went to work and earn a living. That RIGHT was stripped away like being sent to prison

[@jamess359]

The point is, you ARENT going to work to make a living. You're going to work to get by, ESPECIALLY if you provide an ESSENTIAL service. America, by salary standards, values someone as useless as a MARKETING EXPERT more than workers who actually produce something. The Pandemic made it clear: Jobs needed for America to function aren't valued. Why am I poor? Because my nation doesn't value my work.

[@noahingram8052]

I never thought they cared buddy

[@alienabledic]

Sounds like a 1 hour commercial to join a union

[@jesdelighted7458]

The wages we received is not enough to settle our expenses, we keep killing our self on salary putting hope on pension to take care of our self at old age it's not fair.

[@jeffreyjessica2536]

Salary earners can't leave up to the life plan by them, while earning try and put something to work where you are can earn second source of income

[@paulmary-zv9se]

​@@jeffreyjessica2536Working for someone is like slavery yourself, you get pay and them get all the credit.

[@idownadesanya-bw9px]

You're absolutely right, to be a successful in life required not only hard work but awareness and sometime opportunity at the moment, investment remains the best way to start.

[@louranterlius9515]

I agree with you. Investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity. And not just any investment but an investment with guaranteed return.​@@idownadesanya-bw9px

[@elina6519]

yeah investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity but venturing into any legit investment or business without a proper guidance of an expert can lead to great loss too.

[@nioxa5421]

I always hear… people don’t want to work anymore.. No sir, no one wants to work for $10 an hour… a months worth of work and can’t afford a simple 1 bedroom apt.

[@Dre2Dee2]

well they arent going to pay you more, so whats your next move?

[@nioxa5421]

@@Dre2Dee2 in my area, basic jobs like Walmart Cashier now pay $16. I saw the walmart Ad on tv

[@tiffanyribbons]

@@nioxa5421even then. Today, the average American needs to earn 25-30 dollars to live comfortably…JUST for ONE person. JUST FOR A ONE BEDROOM. Now imagine someone earning 16 as a single mother of two. My mother earns 22 as a single mother of three…..and she can BARELY afford a two bedroom, let alone internet, and groceries. 16 isn’t enough, it isn’t impressive wage.

[@zhaw4821]

@@tiffanyribbons Don't you realize that, when an employer pay more he has to raise the prices to do that? Your Xtra money will be spend on hier prices

[@gregkareem9824]

​@@nioxa5421clown 🤡

[@trishhanerfeld1492]

I don't know when this documentary was made, but I hate to inform you that the American Dream has slipped away. You said it was slipping away. I am 80 years old and I can tell you that my children an grandchildren have it way worse trying to make a living now. Living was good in my day.

[@user-xs2ng3dr3m]

Yes..I'm 71..living in New Zealand.. life was easier when I was young

[@mikethemechanic7395]

As a Diesel mechanic. I loved still going in to work when Covid hit hard. I got lots of overtime and was able to go places. Leaving home to go to work was good for my mental health. There was no traffic on the roads. Covid made things better for my field. I was recruited to my current shop 2 years ago. They offered a 7k tax free bonus and they paid for my kids college. That’s a win win for me. My wife got a job working from home. Makes having 10 year olds much easier. I have made the most money in my life and get unlimited overtime on my terms.

[@nikola23gr]

I am glad you doing good I am diesel mechanic also from nj doing a lot of road service north nj,Bronx,manhattan,Brooklyn,even I make ok money living here in NJ where average house is 500k is so difficult paying benefits,healthcare is not a problem when you compare to monthly mortgage of $4500 plus taxes $16500 a year. It’s scary what is coming!

[@GirlsNDragons]

When Covid hit, all the mechanic shops closed in my area so my husband and I were the only mobile mechanics available. Our business blew up because of Covid. We were happy to be considered essential.

[@natet5959]

Best documentary I've seen all year! The working class is seriously undervalued. Without them, this country would come to a screeching halt. The elites need to realize that shared prosperity benefits everyone.

[@nenblom]

Amen

[@t.c.l1625]

You dont need elites. They live lives of excess and decadence to a degree that is literally detremental to humanity as a species. Their is no one human that needs to have a net worth over a billion living in two mansions, cuz. Nobody needs that level of excess. Its not only unhealthy, it quite literally is just straight up the cause for poverty to keep those peoples lifestyles as comfy cozy as it is, for every one of these assholes their are like 60 people out starving to death in the streets just in the u.s. alone bro. Yse your mind and your heart. You dont need "masters" That is what the "elite" are people trying to convert the world into a big plantation. Please realize this.

[@mabelw7]

We need organization

[@t.c.l1625]

@@mabelw7 we need to stop giving our autonomy away to big businesses and begin learning to provide for both ourrselves and others

[@lennaertvanhee]

Take an example of Belgium which has the best and largest middle class in the world and makes us the richest nation worldwide. We never took the US as an example and i'm proud of it. We're smart spenders of money and don't let consumerism rule our lives.

[@Maggles69]

I was deemed essential and I was proud to be part of the workforce keeping the blood flowing through the country but when it was all over they threw us away like trash. We were expendable. We were fooled into thinking we were heroes. Not even a pat on the back

[@LeeF945]

More government propaganda that you bought into you and a lot of other people. And it was just a fancy trip to get you to work

[@tebohomofokeng6767]

What work did you do?

[@Stacie45]

They had a "morale event" for us and gave us a plastic coffee cup as a thank-you gift.

[@Maggles69]

@@tebohomofokeng6767 Was a package handler for UPS

[@annestiles5598]

My stepson got lost after high school when he was unable to join the military as he dreamed of people of a medical issue. He was finally able to join an apprenticeship, and now he feels great about his future.

[@neomage2021]

When the pandemic hit I was in a weird position. I was deemed an essential worker. Working for the department of energy, but we weren't allowed to physically go in to work and most of my work could only be done in a classified secure environment. So I just got paid to stay home and do absolutely nothing. Maybe they would have an hour or so worth of work a week I could do from home. Continuing to get a huge paycheck from the US government to stay at home and do absolutely nothing while others were struggling with no paycheck or getting paid very little to put their lives at risk shows what was wrong with the US.

[@debbied9997]

Private companies are beholding to their shareholders, not their employees. Employees are expense line items on spreadsheets and when companies keep expenses low, they are compensated with huge bonuses. So few benefit from the masses' suffering.

[@LeeF945]

And small business owners have to pay these exorbitant hourly rates to their employees no that's absolutely ridiculous to want to make more money educate yourself and make yourself more valuable that's how you earn a higher wage not by extorting employers and passing laws to make them pay you more because guess what if that happens there won't be as many places to work duh

[@CMoore8539]

The huge corporations and government may have all the money but the people are strong in numbers. I believe if the people stop allowing so much division between us and work together, we could turn things around but we can’t allow differences to divide us. We all need to stand together.

[@waynecoxdrums]

Excellent documentary. As a union shop steward for firefighters in Ireland who are in dispute for better terms and conditions, I can wholeheartedly testify to the power of unions for working people. ✊

[@BrenMurphy1]

Keep going, never underestimate the power of personal direct action lol

[@bernie6355]

This documentary is right on the button. My first boss only made about twice as i did back in the mid 80's . The mew boss makes multiple times higher than I do now. If you ask for a raise he says he can't afford it yet he buys new trucks ,boats, snow mobiles.....any toy you can think of plus has a 8000 sq ft house he likes to talk about but his employees can barely get by. In the last 15 years we have received 2 wage increases and it was like pulling teeth from management. I have been serving this company for 40 years so I am close to retirement however the future for the new employees is grim.

[@m3gr3x]

Why don't u leave ??

[@erickchatfield1940]

Why have you continued to work there?

[@Vlad-bu3mr]

@@m3gr3x I mean he says "close to retirement" might as well stick out 5years rather than try and find a new job when your around 60 id say due do working there for 40years

[@djdvanf]

I call cap, 8000 sq ft is a mansion. Theres no general manager that has a mansion. Maybe if he was the owner, I'd see this as accurate. But you're full of shit.

[@trevorpotts3338]

People settle and get comfortable. It's natural and almost expected, this is sadly the reality of our situation

[@peternorthrup6274]

I remember many times asking my guys to work overtime. Most had to say no because they had other jobs to go to after work. Are company didn't pay a living wage. Sad. The owner told me to fire those guys because when we have overtime they need to work. I told him to do it. He never did.

[@mandalahigherplanes9044]

Selfishness in play. Companies firing employees just before they’re able to obtain employment benefits.

[@beardhighfives3990]

I eat one meal a day, work 6 days a week (construction). All my money goes to rent, gas, insurances, phone. My weekend fun is anything free

[@Souls-at-zer0]

And watch out where you step.. might need a discovery pass or a federal land pass … 😢

[@BallstinkBaron]

Join a union

[@annsaunders5768]

​@@Souls-at-zer0they just had one of their free days in the national parks June 8...

[@chrisbti]

im an american woman, I have a full time job and an online store (Etsy/Ebay) I cannot afford my car...My parents pay for it I also cannot afford to go on any vacations... I try to save but its hard. We are fine but more money would be amazing. Food is something I try to spend the less on, Grocery Outlet is awesome!

[@jaysphilosophy1951]

I'm surprised the man who went to prison, didn't mention how difficult it is to find a job after you get out because of constant background checks. And many of the warehouse jobs are using temp agencies that rely on constant flow of the unemployed....

[@SoulDevoured]

I appreciate this documentary spending so much time reiterating that people can't simply get better jobs because there's just not that many better jobs. The vast majority of jobs on the market are service jobs which means the vast majority of people need to work them.

[@gordonallen9095]

This is an accurate and comprehensive documentary. The demise of organized labor over the last 40 years combined with the "trickle down" economy has created a large sector of disenfranchised, low wage "drone workers" who are expendable, and interchangeable. At the beginning of the 21st Century, Walmart replaced General Motors as the nation's largest employer. Low paid service jobs with no benefits replaced living wage industrial jobs with benefits and pensions. The middle class continues to shrink, while the ranks of the working poor swells. Upward mobility is non existent for many Americans. This is a situation that is unsustainable. And has been America's "dirty little secret."

[@fernandoribeiro7738]

Make América Great Again meant the re-industrialization of América. This colides with the interests of the biggest economic groups. These were the reasons why media made a enormous brain wash against Trump. Greetings from Europe Portugal

[@gabrielmoody1708]

Did he ever put forth an infrastructure package for re investing in the manufacturing sector? But he did get the tax cuts for the rich lickety split! Talk is cheap! And a party against even raising the minimum wage don't hold your breath! You forget which party led the way I busting up unions!

[@lorascelsi8102]

1000 percent agree, one person works 80 hours a week while three folks go unemployed. Recipe for disaster for sure. Bring back the NORMAL 40 hr., 5 day work week with a yearly cost of living raise and weekly paychecks. Stop this cruel labor system that is abominable and abusive. Working people who work full time living in cars. Is this progress? Claus Schwab " You will have nothing and be happy "... those times are here. So sad.

[@_Wai_Wai_]

​@@fernandoribeiro7738 every industry in a USA has been taken over by the Wall Street people. They moved manufacturing offshore while keeping design work in the States. You see this in automotive, in electronics. In agriculture they mechanized everything, they turned all farms into growing GMO corn and soybean crops. Pharmaceuticals now sell drugs for profit. The railways used profits for stock buybacks instead of reinvesting into the infrastructure.

[@milycome]

​​​@@fernandoribeiro7738Make America Great Again (MAGA), is just a buzz word term, a mere slogan to rally the masses to get angry and get the masses to support a false idol (Trump). Trump being the savior of masses has a message communicated via the media. The media created Trump. The amazing accomplishment by the media is this : how did they (the media) convince the masses that their savior is to be a multi -billionaire oligarch that is going to come to their rescue and make their lives better. They, (the masses) cannot possibly identify with a multi-billionaire oligarch. Oh, no? Guess what ?? They pulled it off. With help of the stupidity and ignorance of many stupid, brain dead Americans !!

[@CJ-fh5xq]

I work as a Data Analyst out of college at a major Bank making $95k. One of my task is to automate the manual processes that our hourly paid $22 Data Entry Operators do. Basically I'm efficiency leaning the system so they can slowly lay off these workers and can rake in more profit with less people.

[@christyjohnson5618]

Thank u for exposing this. My reaction was to hit the thumbs down, but thats to what theyre doing, not what u said.

[@mjohnson1741]

@@christyjohnson5618 Yes but that's also part of the problem. Majority of people dislike how large corporation treat their employees. However, a significant amount of people still choose to work for companies that do this and give their business to the same companies they complain about.

[@BakuganBrawler211]

@@mjohnson1741 Who said they didn’t put some Trojan horses in that will cause more headaches than benefits 😉

[@kaptivatingstudios676]

The idea of reducing labor costs is valuable but we must be able to transition from income based on work to some other way such as UBI or something. Not sure why anyone would rather keep doing shitty work just cause it’s a paycheck. I’d rather have efficiency and “layoffs” while reducing costs such as housing and other inherent basic needs

[@pkendlers]

People. They don't matter. Soon, you won't either.

[@yyc_flyer8729]

I’m extremely proud to be my airline crew base’s local union vice president since 2017. I’m airline cabin crew in Canada. The pandemic has been horrific for us in the airline sector - it feels like Managements green light to gamble even more and trifle with workers (and travellers) alike.

[@beckyparker1532]

The elephant in the room for construction jobs, is the ability to read and do math in English. Math is a huge part of constructing anything. So if a carpenter can't understand the measurements of the building plan, there's a problem. It's ironic that California considers math racist and plans to eliminate it from the schools, when math is a fundamental requirement for many jobs, entry-level and skilled.

[@chuckwoolery9005]

I lived in the back of a pick up truck in a flea infested garage for years. Nobody said life was supposed to be easy. I never once felt sorry for myself.

[@billy-q1c]

Damn that's mental? Is your situation better now?

[@beatman9758]

starting in the 1970s the "must go to college" mentality started why nobody is mentioning the fact that universities and colleges are contributing to income inequality and the rising poverty rates?

[@royharper2003]

Exactly how do universities and colleges contribute to income inequality and rising poverty and what is your highest level of education?

[@bryantsherman7263]

@@royharper2003 College is just another business. Their goal is to make you believe their worthless piece of paper is worth countless $$$ and 4+ years of your life. I never referred to any of my college "learning materials" after I graduated. My education is AAS, 2 BS degrees and an MS.

[@royharper2003]

@@bryantsherman7263 So, what is your career? Could you have your career if not for your degrees. I couldn't have achyieved what I have without my degree. It gave me a career that pays well and has good benefits. I could retire nexct year at 56 if I wanted to. There are many careers that people can't enter into without a "worthless" degree. Coolege isn't a guarantee but some people actually enjoyed their 4 years of college because if they weren't at college what would they be doing? Military, working full time already? You still didn't say why college contributes in income inequality and poverty.

[@bryantsherman7263]

@@royharper2003 My career (Comptroller/Auditing/Accounting) and degree's align. However, I can see what a folly higher education has become.

[@alexcarter8807]

College is a HUGE scam. You'll end up 1000s, maybe 100s of 1000s, of dollars in debt you can't discharge through bankruptcy, and except in rare cases, you'll end up making less than you'd make if you never set foot on a college campus, and with those huge loans on your back.

[@BBQHoorn]

Too bad that we can only like this video once. Ten times thumbs up, what a great video.

[@marleneburrell6081]

Excellent documentary. If the politicians would do the things mentioned here this country would be a great place to live and strive.

[@thomaspawlak8949]

Higher wages. Corporate greed will raise prices on goods and they call it inflation.

[@theuglykwan]

They're already doing it anyway. The fact they can do that is due to corporate consolidation. Big corps control huge chunks of most sectors so there's not that much competition to keep prices down.

[@kimobrien.]

@@theuglykwan This is why we need escalator clauses in all union contracts, minimum wage and social security.

[@peternorthrup6274]

We both retired at 55. The only way we did it was because we realized early on was that we could never afford kids. It's all about choices. I never went to college. I could never afford to go. I was just an average working guy. It's all about choices. Please stop having kids you can't afford.

[@PrototypeC4]

Love this content. That sounds weird to say with how pessimistic and hopeless the entire topic is. But at least you guys are out here educating the masses one YT vid a time.

[@olvidomemoriahistori]

Very good documentary, I know the hardships of American workers, I live in a border city a place where big American corporations have relocated their industries because of cheap labor, and how the oligarchy of those cities has became richer offering corporations a docile working force with no unions, and they don't care about the sufferings of American workers nor of the Mexican workers, they are just making money, something has to be done.

[@mabelw7]

Well said

[@Virjunior01]

Damn. Pete's a badass. I'd be proud to work with guys like him.

[@tovratov5235]

I am never moving to America. I live in Tijuana and working San Diego minimum wage is $16 and thirty-six to San Diego and I get $350 per month in rent in Tijuana there is no way in hell I'm crossing the border to pay thousands of dollars in rent

[@chrisbti]

I work with all men, I have worked here longer than all of them (7 years) and I get paid LESS than every single person at this company. Mind you, I plan on quitting one day when Im done with college which wont be for a couple more years. Im almost 30. I am good at what I do, yet I get paid less than everyone even the new guys. (Tool engineering) I just try not to let it get to me.

[@neoinuyashafight]

The only thing is when corporations are forced to pay higher wages they always 100% of the time increase the cost of product. That leaves us in the same damn situation.

[@MasterTSayge]

I moved to St Thomas in 2013 to be a bar tender after getting my bachelor in engineering and working at a $85k job. I was scared at 1st the I suffered a mental breakdown. I couldn't take it so I left America. THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE! I no longer have anxiety nor depression. I have real friends whom I call family, we play soccer every weekend plus Tuesday evenings, video games every Thursday and Friday nights, plus party Saturday nights at nightclubs where folks dont flex. I'm really Happy. I wish I've done this earlier. 😊

[@gregkareem9824]

Ur everywhere

[@richardspillers6282]

Nobody wants to pay the costs to do decent business anymore. I'm only 37, but even I know what's going on today has not always been the norm. This owner class wants as much for as little as they can get. If they thought they could get you to outright work for free they'd be lobbying the government left and right over it. Employers used to share the wealth. There's no excuse for how much these employers are abusing and neglecting the peopke that made their lifestyle possible. Voting, protesting, etc... none of that is working. You have to make a tangible difference. Cut their profits, don't provide them with labor and passed that... violence. These people do not fear us and that's a problem.

[@loriolsen5785]

I have a lot of concerns about this documentary. While it does point out a lot of issues, I am not convinced that its recommendations are correct. I have an accounting background. I am a "numbers person." I cannot fathom why a gallon of milk at my local Walmart costs nearly $7. Why does an order of hot cakes at McDonald's cost $5.99 when it used to be on the dollar menu? Why do we accept that everything gets more expensive every single year? There's no way to keep up with skyrocketing price hikes. During the pandemic, the government handed out money like candy. While that did help some people at the time, businesses jacked up their prices because of increased demand for their products, and because they could get away with it. The prices never came back down. Government doesn't look out for the people, no matter what party is in power. Even if we keep raising the minimum wage, businesses will keep raising their prices. How do we reverse this endless cycle? Even when my husband gets raises, we still have less in the bank account because we pay more for food and gas every week. Our nation is drowning in debt. American families have more debt now than they've ever had, over $1 trillion. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck. How are we supposed to improve our financial status when things just keep getting more expensive? I know the documentary is all about unions and higher wages. But some other significant changes also need to happen. For example, manufacturing jobs need to come back to America. Also, we need a much bigger say in how we are taxed and what those taxes are used for. In addition, we need to ALL adopt the concept that we are broke as a nation. Every level of this country, from the workers to the businesses to the government must learn to spend less and do more with less. We've spent money at an alarming rate for decades. It must stop. This documentary says we need a big national infrastructure project to put people to work. That sounds nice, but we literally don't have the money to pay for it. We need to come up with better ideas, ones that don't incur more debt but yet also help people to survive. I am at a loss when I look at my budget. I am sad when I look around at our society. We need to bring back the idea of community. If a bridge in an area needs repaired, the people of that community need to find skilled people to fix it, and that person should be paid a FAIR wage, not charging a high price because he can. Everyone is out to make all the money they can, but that isn't helping this country. Finally, a few years ago, our family adopted minimalism. While we are still working on achieving the proper balance in our home, we are happier to have left consumerism behind. We only buy what we NEED now. Even with cutting out spending on frivolous things, we still have to watch our spending because costs keep rising on everyday needs. I would encourage others to leave consumerism behind if you can. I think our financial future is not bright, so do what you can to prepare for worse times. Good luck, everyone.

[@martinleung212]

The US capitalists moved jobs overseas to take advantage of lower wages in Asia, but the trouble is those capitalists did not reinvest their greater profits back into the US and create high-pay jobs for their workers, jobs that the US workers are good at, not jobs to compete with those low-wages jobs in Asia.

[@anthonyramirez8038]

preach it bother

[@redrustyhill2]

Biggest reason they moved overseas is taxes.

[@theuglykwan]

@@redrustyhill2 Many corporations pay not taxes...

[@NicPalmer43]

I believe they were encouraged to move jobs overseas by government through increased taxation. The government was concerned that if the majority of US dollars remained circulating in the US it would increase the velocity of money and the inflation would become evident. So they wanted US dollars to flow out of the country, that is the real reason for NAFTA and TPP.

[@Dre2Dee2]

THEY TOOK OUR JOBS! DAMN ASIANS! Oh, that wasnt the point you were making? lol

[@omnamahshivayaitaly8429]

I live in Europe, Italy, and honestly with all my respect to America I never believed in the American dream. Only the white and rich stay well in the USA. If I lived in the States I would be one of these poor people working 40 hours a week and could not afford the basics of life, my son would not be able to study at the University which here in Italy is payed by the government and families pay a yearly amount based on the family income(up to 2.500 Euros every year), also Healthcare is affordable I am so thankful to live in Europe.

[@corkiefries9149]

Not all whites are "privileged " 😂

[@vidz4UWHENIMBORED]

We have a ton of poor white people don’t believe everything you see on the internet bud

[@SongSwan]

So you already predict that you would be poor which of course means you would be.

[@SongSwan]

Ok how about we quit importing third world poverty for a start.

[@codacreator6162]

It wasn’t always like this. I was born in the 1960s. It didn’t start to change until the Reagan administration beginning in earnest in 1980. I think it’s worse for those of us who remember what we were and what is possible with the right policies and investment.

[@martinwhite5076]

The great US intellectual Michael Parenti spring's to mind ! Why? because Parenti is one of those rare individuals that's understood the processes at work in our world has clear vision & follows the money. This documentry exposes class struggle and it's not running in favour of the working non owning class.

[@codacreator6162]

We don’t need to build cheap housing, we’ve already got that (show me a house that will stand 50 years without massive investment). What we need is to get investors OUT of Housing, Healthcare, Education, Energy, and Food. Government can enact policies to protect consumers from exploitation and price gouging. When you have enough people who MUST have access to rental properties and you put a big chunk of the control of rents in the hands of investors, you end with a level of exploitation that shouldn’t exist.

[@redrustyhill2]

There is a HUGE difference between a working man or woman owning a few rental properties and hedge funds that buy up 100s of thousands of units. Both are technically investors

[@codacreator6162]

@@redrustyhill2 noted.

[@charliesomoza5918]

Very well spoken! So much truth in this words!

[@Michael-pi8ps]

@@redrustyhill2ultimately there isn’t. Real Estate is a non productive asset, it grows in value simply because everyone assumes it should.

[@redrustyhill2]

@@Michael-pi8ps my rentals dont need to "grow in value" to be an investment. They are owned outright and bring in positive cash flow every month. Appreciation is just icing on the cake.

[@rubyclark7595]

WOW!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this Documentary.

[@crystalidx]

Talking about working multiple jobs, many people can’t even find one job. WTF!?!?

[@maryannhope8276]

Thank you for sharing this information. Excellent documentation.

[@reedrudy6129]

Essential! Profoundly moving. So well done.

[@user-db5ts2yt6o]

Absolutely right. $15/hr is not a living wage.

[@ambivertical]

This is Very well done. Despite it mot being done years ago its still Very Much applicable today even moreso as time has matured the situation to a worse extent. Great work.

[@katholloman1922]

Does anyone have any sources to this documentary? I've googled the people listen in the desciption and i've not been able to find anything on this.

[@ghggp1]

Absolutely awesome documentary! When will we wake up and realize everyone deserves a living wage! No business should be allowed to take advantage of the working class! They ARE the backbone of this country! Offshoring of tax havens MUST STOP! There is NO excuse for CEO’s earning what they earn today. Oligarchs should not be able to use lobbyists in Government to pad their pockets!

[@Ryanandboys]

CEOs make .002% of all US compensation.. #know the facts.

[@saitamablz1512]

Robots

[@nicholasweber21]

You are not a very smart person

[@BakuganBrawler211]

@tony thomas Yeah that’s super easy when most markets are all based on the same pay rate and any other jobs are an hour plus away… Totally doable for anybody who’s already struggling to add an extra 2-3hrs just to commute to and from work. When businesses pay their employees their business goes up as customers are enticed by the fact they’re not payed $10hr then worked like mules leading to disappointing service.

[@wtfa2910]

​@tonythomas1010 one of the reasons people don't have better living standards is because they don't have the Killer Instinct get what they need to survive a lack of education and the biggest weakness of people is generally other people

[@abdullahhakan1]

Within Turkey, Medical doctors with Gynecological, pediatrician , brain surgeons pensions are among lowest in the world, 1000 USD to 1400 USD at most for Prof Dr Medical doctors. Average monthly net wage of engineers in Turkey is 18.000 TL per month which makes net 880 USD per month. Pension Wage of Turkish citizen engineers earn 400 USD per month pension Wage.

[@abdullahhakan1]

So come and fill up Trachian Region , Dardanelle Region Seaside with mobile homes, luxury, one of the largest in the world, 300 square meters to 1000 square meters in close space sizes in Trachia, purchase electric bikes, best bikes in the world and you can race in purchasing powers with lowest wages of all Europe called Turkish consumers in Turkey.

[@Ruta14337]

Great documentary thank you for sharing love from New Zealand ❤

[@cheezburgrproduction]

I started working at gas station second and graveyard shifts just so I could have at least one meal a day covered and a guaranteed check. Was also on EBT. I forgot how hard it was as I got engaged shortly after what a wild ride.

[@catherineharber6514]

Outstanding documentary 🍻💫.

[@HereInPA_Hagen]

Inflation and certain other economic conditions are a real hardship, but the real reason our middle class, and especially working class, suffers is because of a carefully constructed structure that advances income inequality. Tax breaks, opportunities for investments that poorer folk do not have, and on and on. Black communities in particular have suffered immensely from familes not being able to pass on generational wealth. Sadly, our U.S. economy works best for the wealthy. 😢

[@yemiomotoso9215]

I am your 1thousandth subscriber. Awesome documentary!

[@stephaniepersin4222]

I have worked since 2006 as a cashier in grocery retail. I had no choice but to work. I couldn’t have collected UC as I had a job to go to.

[@fgonzalez78959]

The past is long gone..its not coming back..prices will never come back down to the good old days..its survival of the riches. One day in the future people will be forcefully force to work.Rights will be non existing but the rich.

[@sperosversis3678]

We're not too far from that at this point.

[@lifeisabadjoke5750]

Force to work is a scary totalitarian future.

[@financialeducation4433]

1 in 3 Americans making over 100,000 per year are living paycheck to paycheck. The problem is not how much we make, it's how much we spend. If you spend less than you make, you have something left over. If you spend everything you make, you have nothing. Simple math.

[@lenering1084]

If you work in a fast food restaurant, you can not save money

[@financialeducation4433]

@@lenering1084 If you spend less than you make, you can save money. It's simple math.

[@gregkareem9824]

​@@financialeducation4433no

[@juliantheapostate8295]

Not quite. In real-terms, you must also stay ahead of inflation@@financialeducation4433

[@user-td1rr4bw8x]

I grew up in a middle class family, i did not qualify for grants for college because my family made too much yet they couldn't afford to pay for my college. I refused to take out loans so instead i enrolled in Job Corps which is a federally funded program for ages 16-24, i did not need my parents income to qualify as long as i was 18 i was good. So i completed my LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse) for free and they paid me to graduate about 1k cash. I started working right away after Licensure, and i started at 70k as a New grad working in case management then i switched over to working remotely from home. I continued to take classes at the local community college, and decided to Bridge to RN in a year, became an RN and made 110k first year. It was worth it for me, i graduated without zero debt, my employer paid for my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) what i am trying to say theres opportunities you just need to look elsewhere. theres Job Corps and the local worksource center in your employment office offers the WIAO program which is a federal grant for funding to obtain training and skills they will pay for your CDL, LPN, etc

[@Szcza04]

I’d be happy with free trade schools and subsidized associates to bachelors programs

[@seinname9482]

The point is not that u can get out of pverty with a better qualified job. The point is that the wages are too low for normal workers. Not everybody can do high qualified jobs then u need way more imigrants that ur country dont wanna let in so.....I mean its so sad in the us u dont pay the people normal sallerys that the people can life with only that the rich can get richer. Im so glade i live in a better country with better society.

[@sexygabby30]

Yea unfortunately most of the people today are screaming are nearly grand parents not of job corp age and things have went left. Literally just last year one was great now fast forward it’s tight out here no matter what is done. Getting approval for anything is tight. So for the just starting out crowd that is the best thing to do but established families that were once completely comfortable are destroyed.

[@mards2479]

You did well with your choices, I just hope you don’t believe that your anecdotal story means everything is just fine and no change is needed, because you can’t just have everyone in the country take the same route as you because that’s what worked out for a few people.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

​@@mards2479job corp is only available to lower income and 17-24. Most of the jobs they train for are the same careers that keep lagging more and more too. The CNA program only allows a Tiny % of the graduates to proceed past the CNA traj ing level into nursing and you generally have to spend a year or more living on campus and there is no child care so if your family can't take care of your kids you can't do it. I actually completed the welding program and quit mentioning that it was job Corp where I had my training becuase several companies ended the interview when they say that. It's a great concept but lots of political propaganda about it being "welfare" or "socialism"cause many of a particular political persuasion to be biased against it which are disproportionately represented in the the hiring positions of companies in my experience.

[@mchelewashington2024]

During the Great Depression people didn't pull up in cars to get food. The problem is there's no public transportation in some areas. So these are lifestyle issues.

[@whygohome172]

I was born in 61. My dad dropped out of high school and got married when he was 18. He ended up working for the railroad and was in a Union. My mom was a stat at home mom and we had medical , dental and vision. Our house was $17000 and my dad paid it off in 10 years!

[@hipoint40cal39]

Ah, the good ol days

[@jaijai5250]

@@hipoint40cal39they weren’t the good old days for everyone. The only difference today, is that most working people are experiencing the hardships what were normal for others.

[@OsculumTormentum]

Anarchy USA (1966) a film by G. Edward Griffin, neat doc on today yet made many years ago.

[@dumabel3351]

It is a great documentary, I am really moved!

[@user-xp9kx2hr1v]

Really excellent explanation from the female economist.

[@veronica.baker1]

Impressive video. I started a bit late (graduated from my doctorate program at age 30 in 2014 with 170k in school loan debt). Managed to pay off my debt by 2019 and currently have a house and 250k total in investments (combo of profit share, 401k and a brokerage account). I'm not very knowledgeable in investing, so I just have my investing currently in index funds mainly Too but have been putting a lot into Schd the past few months. I don’t know if that's the optimal strategy, but psychologically it is very set it and forget it, and prevents me from obsessing over individual stock performance.

[@james.atkins88]

I’m thinking of doing the same but not sure if I should use different brokerage accounts? Just curious. Pros and cons?

[@edward.abraham]

Instead of using different brokerage accounts to purchase index funds or individual stock, compare your age(s) and how much time you have estimated till retirement, you can also opt to consulting/working with a fund manager/advisor for an “optimal strategy” to outperform the bear market.

[@rebecca_burns14]

@@edward.abraham Please tell me how I can think I have such skills. My funds are being murdered by inflation, therefore I'm looking for a more profitable investing strategy to put them to work.

[@hunter-bourke21]

@@edward.abraham Thanks for sharing this. I did my own little research, and your advisor looks advanced and experienced. I wrote her and dialed her twice but she didn't pick up so I scheduled a phone call. She is experience can't wait to have a chat.

[@HereInPA_Hagen]

Index funds should serve you well. You will avoid high management fees, and the results are essentially the same. Studies have proved this.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

What big unemployment benefits???? For such a along time the poorer people have been ignored because employers were allowed to do whatever they want

[@mastersparkyful]

I ran a nonunion service electrical company and invested in residential rentals and eventually ended up retired at 52 and renting to union workers. I now have legacy wealth provided by union workers.

[@actorsinsider9967]

Im so glad that this documentary focuses on that this has been a problem for decades and not just a consequence of the pandemic. I never had kids because ive always had 2 jobs. I worked 6 days a week, 1 full day off and 2 half days off. When you work this much and still struggling to keep your head above water all you learn to do is work, eat, sleep, wake up and do it all over again. Sad way to live. Luckily now i havd only 1 job but still always volunteer for overtime, but so much better off than i used to be. Side note: i worked at 1 retail place and 1 restaurant so i could eat for free and get discounts on basic necessities between the 2 jobs.

[@Scorned405]

Totally relate. Been living like that since I was 19 years old. Then there is no time to go to college when you have to work 13 hours a day.

[@christhomas7579]

When you realize how insane of a system we are forced to abide an the toxic culture/society it creates. How painful and unnecessary it all is, why would anyone want to bring another life into this world? Only to have to experience the same b******* you had to!!? That's the way I feel about it.... I'm glad that I haven't had children.

[@graguitar6493]

Consider yourself a blessing to the planet having no children. Well done and much respect 😊

[@williamfrye552]

May I ask how old you are and where abouts you live ?

[@edward.abraham]

People grappling with the difficulty of meeting essential expenses often encounter this situation due to inadequate savings during their working years. The decisions taken in readiness for retirement carry extensive consequences, as demonstrated within my own family dynamics. Differing investment approaches yielded disparate results. Guided by a financial advisor, I'm currently retired.

[@james.atkins88]

Indeed, that's accurate. I'm currently in my mid-50s. My wife and I were on a similar path until a couple of years ago when I decided to shift my investments to her wealth manager. While I haven't quite caught up to her accumulated profits over the years, I'm at least earning more now. I'm generating income even before retirement, and my retirement fund has experienced remarkable growth compared to what it would have with just the 401(k). It's quite amusing.

[@hunter-bourke21]

It's regrettable that many individuals lack access to such insights. I understand why people might become anxious. Insufficient information can indeed pose significant challenges. Personally, I've been able to generate over $35k passively simply by investing through an advisor, and the best part is, I don't need to exert much effort. Regardless of economic fluctuations, skilled wealth managers consistently deliver returns.

[@rebecca_burns14]

@@hunter-bourke21 Could you guide me on how to get in touch with your advisor? My funds are being eroded by inflation, and I'm seeking a more lucrative investment strategy to effectively utilize them.

[@hunter-bourke21]

Do your homework and choose one that has strategies to help your portfolio grow consistently and steadily. ‘’Camille Alicia Garcia” is responsible for the success of my portfolio, and I believe she possesses the qualifications and expertise to meet your goals.

[@rebecca_burns14]

I've taken the initiative to research Camille Alicia Garcia online and verify her credentials. I'm impressed with her expertise, and I've reached out to her to share my financial market goals in detail.

[@dmandipper9102]

The baskin robins ice cream mascot was considered essential during this time. They had a guy dressed as ice cream deemed essential.

[@juliantheapostate8295]

So 'essential workers' and pandemic measures wasn't about 'following the science' but about how much the State fears your organised labour. Thanks for clearing that up

[@terrywatson4473]

Excellent documentary👍

[@silentthunderz28]

When the pandemic hit I was told I was essential cause I built boats and that was a form of transportation that people could use to get to work at that moment I woke up and said they don't give a f*ck about us period.

[@krazivon6659]

That ibuprofen line hits hard

[@progfrog5504]

Regarding Friedman , around 50', i find this statement reasonable, I don't think companies should have the moral guide to decree what is right for my work; it is a political/social issue to be addressed in these forums.

[@WorkingNationDiscourse]

Essential' offers a critical reflection on how the rise and decline of unionization have profoundly shaped America's economic landscape. The film's exploration of the union's role in building the largest middle class in history, juxtaposed with the dramatic increase in income inequality in recent years, offers vital insights. It's intriguing to see how these shifts correlate with significant socio-economic changes, from the height of the middle class's prosperity to the challenges we face today, akin to those of the Great Depression era.

[@gadgettv2023]

Pretty sure there are only like 6 people in the US who aren’t working class. Unless I just completely missed something.

[@Dre2Dee2]

theres more than 6 people in congress and as college and public school administration

[@hipoint40cal39]

We're living in the post-prosperity era.

[@qjtvaddict]

Yeah

[@billycochran1664]

Spot on, worked 40+ years. Nothing to show but a broken body and debt. The American dream is just that...a dream.

[@Vapnvibes]

Also there’s PLENTY of vacant buildings throughout our country I know for sure here in South Florida! Clean them up make them safe very basic and safe and take the people off the streets that actually want to get off the streets and house them there. Then provide services; mental health, physical health care, job finding, law services to provide those who qualify to get their records sealed and expunged, so in turn it does t get in the way of them getting jobs. Major corporations and highly wealthy people can make the housing part possible asap not to mention it’s all a write off for them anyways!

[@robertforrester578]

Why, only now, able to release the film?

[@danielrothe3902]

People are living without hope

[@kaptivatingstudios676]

7:54 they didn’t get unemployment choices. I didn’t. I could’ve left and had no unemployment. Didn’t feel like much of a choice

[@Bodybagbart]

The documentary is all about how corporations will do anything for profit, but then it says that women are getting paid less to do the same job, so why would those corporations ever hire Maine if they can hire women to do the same job for less and increase profits?

[@juliantheapostate8295]

Don't use logic now....

[@marlonelias]

I’m one of these people working during the pandemic and lockdown!.!.

[@okdok3742]

instead of motivating everyone to becoming entrepreneurs and business owners and "problem solvers" we should be paying more towards the jobs that society actually needs, the jobs that civilization in and of itself needs ok. regardless of how unskilled one has to be for a certain job or how easily one can be replaced, if a job is necessary and society cannot proceed reasonably without it, it should be paid in relations to its importance. now im not saying every garbage man should be a multi millionare but look to france to realize what would happen if there were no more garbage workers. cities would break down within weeks ok. the working class is what makes this whole thing run and its about time they got paid accordingly.

[@hoobyhoo]

The trade workers built this country. It's nothing short of disrespect to continue like this.

[@TheHonestPeanut]

100%. Time for a socialist government that'll take care of the working class and our rights.

[@gerardmanfroid1860]

It is relavant to say that after Reagan came to power....he basically started trashing the economy - cutting taxes and cutting unions from compnaies and the US today is going downhill very fast !! Service economy doesn't work !!

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

Working for yourself is the way to go, guys work for yourself and cut down 11 expenses live a memory list of lifestyle downsides live simple Olive alternatively much better and you don't have to burn yourself. I can walk walk, walk, walk workwhile workout all day.

[@norml.hugh-mann]

Sounds like the sales pitch of every pyramid scheme

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

@@norml.hugh-mann Well, it's true, you don't make money. Worthwhile the people, not this day and age.

[@connieehresman1171]

my uncle was a union man ,( he told us if your work has a union you join it.)

[@laurens7431]

"the powers that be want to keep people unorganized and broke". nailed it. We need to mobilize, organize and stand up for ourselves.

[@crand20033]

But how? The US has at-will employment and they can fire us whenever they want. I'm a college graduate engineer and I have been fired from more jobs than I can count on all my fingers and toes.

[@Dre2Dee2]

Considering the amoeba I see floating around here, not likely

[@zaberfang]

The last time the people did, they were arrested and declared as terrorists

[@laurens7431]

have to do it a certain way

[@sexygabby30]

@@zaberfangSo…fear and doing nothing is a helluva price to pay! This is the conditioning that has been passed down that no one should had ever in history fell for( being scared of another human)

[@chiyerano]

I find unsound money and a debased currency to be large part of the reason why things are the way they are in the USA. Until that changes, things will continue to get worse for anyone who only has the American dollar to work with. Of course it doesn't help that the USA doesn't have as much manufacturing as it used to and has more service industries instead.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

Big government something so many Americans seem to hate. Governments need to take CARE of their people and not let so many lack basic health care.

[@Dre2Dee2]

the government couldnt care less

[@patgreco2098]

As some say, "Living the dream one nightmare at a time."

[@isabelreyes6387]

We need to start promoting and protecting trade jobs. They get paid well if they are union jobs. These have not been considered desirable jobs in the past but they literally keep our lights on, water running and our roads functioning. I always tell my son to look into a trade job - they still allow you to pursue successful careers in engineering and construction. Some of the richest people I know started out in construction.

[@annadosch4781]

Well said. I 100% agree with you!🙂

[@Durgenheim]

“Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration.”

[@seanburton5298]

No right answer. However, policy change will help in a lot of areas. Examples are public and private education and unions. I would also like to know who and how a determination of a workers' wage comes into play.

[@ShinkuGouki]

It's tragic that we middle class workers have gotten screwed over the last 40 years. Productivity has gone up significantly but our pay has been in decline. The rich getting richer off our backs. We need government intervention.

[@Dre2Dee2]

The government is run by the rich people Why would they help you

[@jcbjcb2]

#Oligarchs "invest" much for the types of government "intervention" that pay back. #ROI #ReturnOnInvestment

[@RogerWareInc]

Government intervention is the reason that we're in this mess.

[@nodevoutt]

Govt workers themselves are rich so they're not going to care about the poor