In a previous discussion we considered Andrew Yang’s case for a universal basic income (UBI) as a possible solution to keep people safe, prevent job loss and maintain incomes. Now we propose a discussion around another possible solution: A federal jobs guarantee. Proponents of a federal jobs guarantee say it would provide Americans with the option of a dignified job with living wages and full benefits, bend the economy towards racial and economic justice, tackle poverty and discrimination, and gear work towards community needs such as care and efforts to fight climate change. But how would this work? Who would implement this? Is there political will to get it done?

To prepare for the discussion, you can watch this video for a European academic perspective. 

For an American perspective, you can read Pavlina R. Tcherneva’s new book The Case for a Job Guarantee which enumerates the many advantages of the Job Guarantee over the status quo and proposes a blueprint for its implementation within the context of the Green New Deal.  For an overview of the book in Q&A format, see this site.