Tracey L. Freiberg is an assistant professor of economics at St. John’s University in New York.
Posts By This Author
We Don’t Have To Work This Way
Reenvisioning labor so that everyone can flourish.
IN TODAY’S CONVENIENCE-BASED economy, powered by 24-hour availability and instant shipping, we heavily rely on a labor force that is invisible. Gone are the days of an 8-hour workday and a 5-day workweek for most Americans, especially those in the service industry, gig economy, and logistics sector. Now gaining momentum is the “996” schedule—which stands for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 60% of the U.S. workforce is paid hourly and work the shifts that allow for a 24-hour a day economy. To make that economy run, reports labor researcher Kristen Harknett, 69% are required by their employer to keep their schedules “open and available” to work whenever needed, often causing a major disruption in family life.