Yep, there is no STEM shortage, corporations want H1Bs to artificially lower the market value, especially of high-value software engineers. In software, because companies are being extremely selective, even when they desperately need someone. Another attempt to artificially lower the market value.If STEM workers were in short supply, wages would be increasing rapidly. But wage data from multiple sources show little growth over the last 12 years
So... when can we have an IT union? I mean, IT workers have been screwed before. That, and if there's such a demand for STEM workers, why haven't their wages gone up? I'm not anti-immigrant, in fact I support open-borders, but of all the reasons in favor, this isn't one of them. The trouble in this case is that IT really is considered a privileged position, and that most IT people and the general public believe that once you learn IT, you should be set for life, and that really makes us vulnerable. But they still believe that these companies are searching for local talent before applying to use H1-B workers, because why would job-creators lie?
flagamuffin mentioned this screwing to me in personal correspondence. I enjoyed composing my reply: Before we go to the march, let's work out our talking points so we will be ready for the cameras. In The Silicon Valley Wage-Fixing Thing, who were the victims? Well, they were pretty much the most richly-compensated category of employees outside of Wall Street. And perhaps not all of them, but especially the most talented among them, those who are the best candidates for corporate poaching, the cream of the crop. And what privation did the injured class suffer at the hands of the corporate juggernauts? The crime was an unenforceable handshake agreement to not directly make job offers to employees on the other side of the valley. Which forced the employees (forced them, that's key, that's coercion!) to take the humiliating step of visiting the careers page of the competition's web site and apply for a job, as if they were regular wage slaves like the rest of us and not a privileged elite. Only after initiating contact could they claim their rightful hiring bonus and fat raise with stock options.IT workers have been screwed before
The Silicon Valley Wage-Fixing Thing, I love it, let's make some protest signs with that. This is the injustice, not Deepwater Horizon? Not mercenary contractors or blood diamonds?
When one exists that I can join without being fired. Not sure I buy that. People think the same of doctors and lawyers, but they still make bank.So... when can we have an IT union?
the general public believe that once you learn IT, you should be set for life, and that really makes us vulnerable.