Sunday Platform – David Van Arsdale: The Poverty of Work

The Poverty of Work, published by Haymarket Books, is a recent and extensive study of employment agencies. The author of the book, David Van Arsdale, will present key findings from his study and also share his experiences working inside the temp and gig economy through employment agencies. Van Arsdale will define the range of employment agencies that exist in the U.S., explain why they have grown leaps and bounds, and also explain the processes by which agency laborers find work and under what conditions. Further, he will address the historical evolution of agencies and explain why, when left unregulated, they tend to sell immigrants and the unemployed into rather exploitive employment relations. Lastly, his presentation will demonstrate how employment agencies played a critical role in the rise of investment capitalism in the seventeenth century and also the evolution of slavery in North America.

“The class which has the power to rob upon a large scale has also the power to control the government and legalize their robbery.” —Eugene Debs

Dr. David Van Arsdale is Professor of Sociology at Onondaga Community College of the State University of New York. He earned his PhD with distinction from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Shared Charity: The Workers Center of Central New York

Presider: Monica Weiss

FREE and open to the public.

Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest.  Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day.  While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public.  Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.