For
many years workers could often, though not always, rely upon an employer to
provide some basic benefit package if they worked full-time. It goes without
saying that that model is going away. Now, to be fair, there were always a
significant portion of the population who never had access to benefits, but my
working-class family was among them, so I assume they were widespread.
Aside
from my job in the Northwest Territories I have never had benefits in my own
name. No dental. No prescription. Nothing. When I left work and was no longer
covered by my parents to suddenly dawned on me how expensive maintaining my
routine level of care was. Especially when I developed a dental condition that
required frequent check-ups. Sigh.
It
is hardly surprising that some governments and left-wing parties have suggested
that if employers won't provide benefits or pensions that the state is going to
have to pick up the slack. Part of me absolutely hates this, and accepts this
as a reality. The trend lines all suggest more insecurity not less. I don't
love the idea of the state filling in so many more aspects of our life, but
seeking an alternative - none leaps to mind.
One
issue is how the Ontario government currently intends to go about it. Instead
of having a meaningful conversation about costs and benefits of these programs
we have created them with the expectation that we will slip deeper into debt.
While money is cheap and we can afford to borrow now, that may not always be
the case.
If
we want the government to be responsible for providing a greater social safety
net we should discuss it. I think we also need to examine why employment is
failing to meet these former obligations. On so many questions it feels like
we're sleepwalking. We just accept high underemployment, unemployment, skills
mismatches, contract work, part-time work, etc. Ultimately I think we need to
examine work in the twenty-first century, but in the interim collectively
supporting one another may be for the best.
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