[zkid18]

I recently learned that a courier in Panama can earn around $1,400 a month. Yes, you likely have to work six days a week, but that's well above the average salary in the country.

I'm not sure how the sentiment is in developed countries like the US and the UK. Still, here in Latin America, this presents an opportunity for poorer communities to provide dinner for a family.

[constantcrying]

In most of the western world the sentiment is that basic worker rights are a necessary element of social stability. And that just because a job "presents an opportunity for poorer communities to provide dinner for a family" it should not be excluded from receiving basic labor protections.

[mmooss]

> basic worker rights are a necessary element of social stability

That's the argument for the owners of capital - give them rights so that you can have social stability. The argument for most people is that rights are universal, and it is fair, just, and essential for workers to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, etc.

[constantcrying]

>The argument for most people is that rights are universal

No, they are not. Clearly the US and Germany do not have the same rights. They also have changed over time and will change in the future, as the labor market changes.

>and it is fair, just, and essential for workers to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, etc.

But these are not the rights a worker in Germany has. Worker rights in Germany derive from the belief that the employer has a duty to care for his employees, which also does include limiting the freedom of their workers, if necessary. E.g. you are forced to pay health insurance as an employee.

Additionally social stability is good for everyone, especially the workers.

[mmooss]

The rights are fundamentally the same: safety, reasonable treatment, wages, etc. The interpretation differs.

Germany does subscribe to fundamental, universal human rights, and worker's rights are partially derived from it. Universal human rights are at the heart of German and US politics, morality, philosophy, and anything else.

[zkid18]

I’m not arguing that it’s an unnecessary element. Rather, I don’t agree with the original statement that the government should shut down the services.

[mmooss]

How did you learn that? Did someone tell you or is there something we can read? I appreciate you mentioning it, I just want to know more about it. Thanks.

[zkid18]

I’m investing in EM startups. Talked to the founder of the leading food delivery company there.

Will try to visit the country in March and share some notes in public web