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[Union demand proposal] Should software development (and all other IP-producing labour) get paid residuals? (lemmygrad.ml)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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My gut answer is "yes!!!" or "revolution" but I want to hear what y'all think. For those unware, some creative professions such as film writers get paid a small portion of all revenue generated by their work after it's been produced, which is called a "residual," and it's part of their current fight with hollywood not properly paying those residuals due to the streaming loophole.

Since most programs that are profitable are based on the work of long gone developers (basically capital that gets worked on by machine labour), I think this might be a great demand for an eventual software development union.

What do y'all think?

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[–] mindlessLump 2 points 1 year ago

You make some fair points. Especially wrt OSS.

As far as software development being overworked, I cannot relate. The company I work for has opened up a shop outside of the U.S. for software development. I interface with them daily. They are paid very well relative to their peers.

There are also other forms of compensation in the industry including stock grants and bonuses based on performance and success of products.

I and the people in my local industry are fairly compensated, so I would not be moved to unionize.

It seems like you are pro union, and the conditions where you live are different.

I’ve always lived in right to work states. I intentionally live below my means, and create my own security cushion. I don’t know anyone in my industry who isn’t paid enough to do the same.

Wether that should change is a question that seems beyond the scope of “should tech workers be paid residuals”.