I think there are some major logical flaws in what you are saying.
1 - 'The most productive people' is a weak description of anything. Producing what? Money? If so, please just say 'the highest earners'. If not, please remember that some 'unskilled labourers' could be 'the most productive people' in their own fields (eg. construction). Some earn a lot of money too...
2 - Most 'unskilled labour' now happens in Asia. Work hours have probably increased rather than decreased as compared to 40 years ago (in the factories of the West, where at the time strong unionism led to better conditions).
1 - 'The most productive people' is a weak description of anything. Producing what? Money? If so, please just say 'the highest earners'. If not, please remember that some 'unskilled labourers' could be 'the most productive people' in their own fields (eg. construction). Some earn a lot of money too...
2 - Most 'unskilled labour' now happens in Asia. Work hours have probably increased rather than decreased as compared to 40 years ago (in the factories of the West, where at the time strong unionism led to better conditions).