A new society (1) - Right to a job on fair terms

I make a rough guess that 50% of the working population will be sufficient to produce the goods to meet the basic needs of the population for food, shelter, clothing, health and education, including the manufacturing industries that are needed to support the basic industries.

If the work is shared fairly among the working population, it is possible (based on my guess) for each person to work 4 hours a day to contribute their share of the work and to receive an income that is sufficient for a decent standard of life.

In this environment, there is no need for a person to worry about inability to find a job. There is no need for them to work more than is needed, and in the process deprive another person of their right to a job.

It is possible for people to work longer than the minimum hours, so that they can accumulate savings for the future, or additional income to raise a family or to engage in leisure, social or religious activities. These are optional activities that come after the person has the security of a job.

It is possible for society to mandate a wider scope of the basic needs, to include raising a family or involved in culture or religion. The cost of these activities can be borne by society collectively, and expand the pool of work that needs to be done.

My ideas are influenced by the need for social justice and the need for society to set the norms for its future (instead of the "me first" attitude of individualism). However, my concept still relies on the mechanics of the market to ensure that the people can choose the suitable work based on their interest and skill and that the remuneration can be based on supply and demand, but determined holistically.

Tan Kin Lian