A reader writes:
Excellent post that raises a really interesting issue – one on which I am torn. It really sucks that someone lost their job for such a trivial reason, but is the problem that employers can fire at will, or that we have created a labor market where losing a job with a shitty employer is so traumatic?
I am a total corporate guy who is a huge fan of universal healthcare because it could materially increase labor mobility and reduce the risk of leaving (or being asked to leave) a job. I really think that the free market could be a much better mechanism to punish shitty employers than any regulation. Want to fire people for their tastes in art and literature? Fine, but good luck maintaining a workforce that will actually make you more profitable. Employee, want to leave that draconian employer? No big deal: you can find a new job and not worry about your health care. Raise the cost of turnover and reduce the employee’s risk of job loss and employers will lose the incentive to fire capriciously and employees will be able to say “fuck you” and move on to greener pastures.
And hopefully make more “I quit!” videos like the awesome one above.
The Dish 