They tell you that you’re unskilled, even though learning how to do your job requires training.
They tell you that you’re uneducated, even though everyone has something to teach.
They tell you that you’re essential, but unaffordable.
They tell you that you have a voice, but you should keep quiet.
They tell you that your opinion matters, so long as it lines up with theirs.
They tell you if you work hard, you’ll have just as much as they have - but not yet, just keep working.
They tell you that if you pray harder, you’ll be blessed with prosperity - but not yet, just keep praying. And working.
They tell you so many things; they want you to believe so many things. But mostly, they want you to believe one thing above all else - that you need them.
You don’t. Rise up.
how can we make you feel unimportant while stealing your autonomy
The pandemic woke a lot of people up in more ways than one. The re-emergence of unions and the struggle for worker autonomy after a nearly 50-year hiatus all across the country is a direct result of workers realizing how little their health and wellbeing actually matter to their employers - and they are (rightfully) pissed off about it.