Poke slavery?

[ericlp]

what's next are they going to talk about all the slavery of the asian run restaurants around the island? Esp, in honolulu? All paid under the table ... no benefits and probably below the minimum wage all because the person can't speak english and get a real job? hmmmmmm... happens more than you think.

[pahoated]

The news is getting their cues from social media sensationalism to draw readers.

On the west coast, there are guys that live in the Pacific northwest that go to be "slave fishermen", that is, live on the boat for months, work without pay to get a percentage of the catch, usually don't have any insurance for one of the most dangerous jobs anywhere. They go because good catches mean getting paid in shares, not by the hour.

This social media news influence on article writing is stooping to the lowest levels to shamelessly draw attention, what they call "eyes on the page".

*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*

[alaskyn66]

[quote]Originally posted by pahoated

The news is getting their cues from social media sensationalism to draw readers.

On the west coast, there are guys that live in the Pacific northwest that go to be "slave fishermen", that is, live on the boat for months, work without pay to get a percentage of the catch, usually don't have any insurance for one of the most dangerous jobs anywhere. They go because good catches mean getting paid in shares, not by the hour.

This social media news influence on article writing is stooping to the lowest levels to shamelessly draw attention, what they call "eyes on the page".


Can confirm ... did that for ten seasons.
Sometimes you make money... sometimes you dont.

[terracore]

Cruise ship employees have the same deal. Some only make tips, others only meager wages. I knew that they stayed in bunks but didn't know that each employee doesn't even have their own bunk. Somebody is sleeping in it whether it be day shift or night shift.

Not to sound like Milton Friedman, but these aren't "slaves". People work in these conditions because its an improvement over what they can get in their own countries. The land-based foreign fish workers in Alaska have to pay a "visa broker" several thousand dollars a year for the privilege to come work at jobs that the locals won't do, but the wages they earn are unheard of where they come from.

[MattKarma]

Forced marriage IS a HUGE problem over there. 'encountered it myself, but managed to escape.

[The_Saints]

quote:

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Originally posted by randomq

I'm told Suisan pays fishermen $1/lb and turns around to sell for $6+. Any places more fair/direct?

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As of late, I have been getting much of my fish from the fish and chips shop by the malama market.

[geochem]

The whole article, until you get to the very end, smacks of paternalism. "Oh these poor poor dears, they aren't being paid enough and are forced to be away from home..." Don't these people make the same choices we all do? Work or starve - take your most attractive working opportunity that you have the skills for. At the end of the article they finally admit that many re-up at the end of their contracts and are getting paid, and supporting their families at a far higher level than any alternate opportunity available to them in their home community. And like the rest of the world, some people decide they're unhappy with the deal they made after they signed on, and figure their bad choice was someone else's fault...

[Kapoho Joe]

quote:

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Originally posted by terracore

Cruise ship employees have the same deal. Some only make tips, others only meager wages. I knew that they stayed in bunks but didn't know that each employee doesn't even have their own bunk. Somebody is sleeping in it whether it be day shift or night shift.

Not to sound like Milton Friedman, but these aren't "slaves". People work in these conditions because its an improvement over what they can get in their own countries. The land-based foreign fish workers in Alaska have to pay a "visa broker" several thousand dollars a year for the privilege to come work at jobs that the locals won't do, but the wages they earn are unheard of where they come from.

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Merely the result of unfettering free market capitalism.