This is a fantasy. Voluntary contracts imply that workers have the option of not working for starvation wages, which in many cases is simply not true. If your options are to work a dead-end minwage job or, well, die on the street, is it really a voluntary contract that you're entering? I would say not.
If all the companies that are willing to hire you equally treat you like crap, you aren't really given much choice. In terms of entrepreneurship, it carries a ton of risk. People living paycheck-to-paycheck typically aren't able to carry such a risk with no safety net (family, etc.).
Of course! You can choose:
- Not to work
- Move to a city/state with better opportunities
- Take classes to specialize
- Work hard and get promoted
- Start your business
Aren't these valid options? No "cigar smoking fat cat" force workers to sign the contract under duress.
For many people these are not valid options, no. If you grew up in a low-income household and entered a low-wage job, the likelihood of having sufficient savings to choose not to work, take time off to improve your skills, or move is very low.
How do you have the money to move, take classes, or start a business (business licenses cost $$$) if you are choosing between abusive/dead-end work and homelessness?
