Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by tcbawo 3414 days ago
There has to be a happy medium. Selling yourself short to appease a large corporation which may turn around and leave at a moment's notice is a race to the bottom. Having home grown small businesses and entrepreneurs is the best path towards a prosperous society. Regulations need to be practical and enforceable, otherwise you risk choking off the little guys.
2 comments
gydfi 3414 days ago
I think the point is not that it's driving off huge corporations but that it makes life difficult for every business. It doesn't seem to make life easier for workers either.

I believe in the principle that the unintended consequences of any policy usually wind up outweighing the intended ones.

link
brokenmachine 3414 days ago
This is the "cobra effect"

I love the story:

> The term cobra effect stems from an anecdote set at the time of British rule of colonial India. The British government was concerned about the number of venomous cobra snakes in Delhi.[3] The government therefore offered a bounty for every dead cobra. Initially this was a successful strategy as large numbers of snakes were killed for the reward. Eventually, however, enterprising people began to breed cobras for the income. When the government became aware of this, the reward program was scrapped, causing the cobra breeders to set the now-worthless snakes free. As a result, the wild cobra population further increased. The apparent solution for the problem made the situation even worse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobra_effect

link
cylinder 3414 days ago
I believe the Danish have replaced most laws that make dismissal difficult / risky and instead developed a strong unemployment insurance / welfare system. Companies need to be able to adjust their workforce quickly. And it's a lot easier for an employee to say "go screw yourself" to an abusive employer if they know they won't be out on the street if they lose their job.
link
acchow 3414 days ago
I also support a stronger social net funded by taxes instead of distortionary forces like "strong employment laws".

Basic income does the same thing for the distortionary minimum wage.

link