Re: FW Some hard questions about a Basic Income 1

[Tom Walker]

>But if a 32 hour work week is more expensive
>than a 40 hour week, why are we surprised when no one bites?

A 32-hour work week is more expensive only because of the high component of
fixed non-wage labour costs. Most of those fixed costs arise from
legislation, not from market forces. Lars Osberg talks about "leveling the
playing field for hours of work" and, for much of the extra cost, that's all
that needs to be done.

I've done the numbers on this (http://www.vcn.bc.ca/timework/timework.htm).
Yes, a 32 hour work week is more expensive -- but that's a government policy
not a fact of nature or an economic law.

Regards, 

Tom Walker
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Vancouver, B.C.
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The TimeWork Web: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/timework/