“In this rich country, one can therefore work and remain poor”, wrote the journalist Stéphane Baillargeon, in his article “A salary of dying of hunger”, which appeared in this newspaper on December 18. Eh yes. Welcome to our harsh reality.
In this quasi-country, one can indeed be educated, work hard, be not too worse intelligent (well, sufficiently), have all his teeth, and nevertheless live in precariousness and poverty, whatever the ailments and the hip, well-meaning people in this company.
The pandemic has brought to light an impressive number of small workers, both self-employed and salaried, essential to the running of our economy, as well as to the well-being of our nation, who are struggling to make ends meet, too, to eat their fill, all year round – not just in December, when the bells of generosity rang.
Disparities are increasing, as are inequalities, not to mention the cost of rent, essential services, food, all food. That is true for everyone.
But while several (not all), but several well-paid employees complain that they have to “continue to telework”, others, since the start of this pandemic, run to the left and to the right, often in execrable conditions, on an empty stomach, to serve them in the comfort of their home: essential services, deliveries of groceries, delicacies, various purchases, even compulsive, made online, as well as, let’s say it frankly, lots and lots of wine, alcohol and marijuana… (No, we won’t name anyone.)
To my eyes as a poor woman, surviving painfully in a 2 ¼ Hochelag ‘, sitting in another dirty bus of the Société de transport de Montréal, let me tell you that the vita looks not bad bella among several of these teleworkers.
What ? Do you telecommute and have the right to paid vacations and public holidays? Wow.
Do you have the means to travel, to rent a chalet this year? Alleluia.
For many small workers who survive below the poverty line, no, there is no end-of-year ‘bonus’, no ‘severance bonus’ (let me laugh), none. package deal big business. We don’t even have social benefits, paid vacations, insurance (health, dental care, etc.), nor real working conditions, nor real bargaining power (we are not badly replaceable, say), nor guaranteed income. Nothing, I’m telling you.
On the other hand, let’s all celebrate this holiday season together, dear friends, since I was recently given a precious Christmas present: a (very) expensive Namaste green tea soy candle.
Can you eat soy candle wax with green tea? I’m hungry. Hunger for food, better living conditions – there is enough of survival – hunger for equity and real social justice. So that includes, in my hungry eyes, socioeconomic justice which undoubtedly involves a better distribution of wealth. […]