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Optimist EconomyOptimist Economy Author: Kathryn Anne Edwards and Robin Rauzi
Optimist Economy is the anti-doomscroll economics podcast. Work rules, tax fairness, healthcare, housing costs, retirement security the economic forces shaping American life have real problems. But also real solutions. Each week, economist Kathryn Anne Edwards and editor Robin Rauzi break down one problem and solution with data, history, humor, and a belief that tools to build a better economy exist. We just haven't tried them. New episodes on Tuesdays. Support the podcast at: optimisteconomy.com Ask questions or share your economic worries with us at: optimist.economy@gmail.com Language: en Genres: Government Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Mr. Justin Time Sets a Cruel Work Schedule
Episode 26
Tuesday, 21 July, 2026
Just-in-time scheduling lets an algorithm decide when — and whether — millions of people work. Surveys find 40% of shift workers (mostly in retail and food service) don’t know their schedule a week in advance. They can also get sent home mid-shift or asked to be on call, unpaid. Studies show that more than 50% of hourly workers’ income swings up to 30% month-to-month, making it hard to budget for rent, qualify for benefits, or plan. A landmark study done at The Gap a decade ago proved stable schedules boost not only morale, but sales, so this isn't even bad for business. We already have fair workweek laws in many big cities, but this is a no-brainer for an update to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Chapters:1:01 Announcements — Review shoutouts, Benevity donor thanks.2:15 Retcon — July 4th recap, AI job-loss predictions walked back.7:29 Terms & Conditions — Just In Time scheduling and clopening.10:21 The Big Pilcrow: Underwork — Why part-time and shift workers get scheduled unfairly.13:50 How the BLS tracks part-time hours by industry.17:05 Economic vs. non-economic part-time reasons.25:05 The Gap Study — Predictive scheduling boosted sales 7%.28:22 Consequences — Income volatility and benefits fraud traps.32:06 Fair workweek law and bills35:20 Labor market regulation as low-cost policy.41:59 Executive Orders — Credit card charge names, smaller jar lids.43:52 Spiritual Sponsors — WaPo editorial takedown, new yoga studio.48:12 Credits Donate to Optimist Economy: https://optimisteconomy.com Video-curious? We have clips on the Optimist Economy YouTube channel. Follow us on social media, now including Facebook! We’re also on Instagram at @optimist_economy or TikTok at @optimist_economy. Chat with other Optimists on Substack. Optimist Merch: https://merch.ambientinks.com/collections/optimisteconomy Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders? Send them to optimist.economy@gmail.com
