There are many studies showing that night shift workers experience more mental and physical health issues than day shift workers. Obviously, some things absolutely require night shifts, such as hospitals, but not stores and restaurants. Convenient, sure, but not necessary. So in a socialist country that prioritizes the well-being of workers, do you think these non-critical 24-hour establishments would exist?

Some sources on the health effects of night shifts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

  • Free PalestineA
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    33 years ago

    As someone who’s a bit of a night owl, it’s really nice to be able to get food or gas when I need it without either having to wait for the sun to come up, or get up before the sun goes down.

    I also find that I far prefer to work at night, as I tend to feel more productive shortly after the sun goes down. Also, living somewhere with oppressive summers, it’s really nice to be able to do work outside without the sun beating down on me, which is only possible at night. And, it seems the negative health effects of the night shift tend to take root in people who don’t want to work the night shift, which some end up being forced into under wage slavery. I like working through the night, I don’t feel the effects others claim to. Maybe I’m just a vampire tho?

    So, I guess to answer the question, we’d have to ask the members of collectives what they’d prefer. I’m sure some workspaces will have normal hours, and some won’t. Simply because night owls exist, and might prefer to work during non-standard hours.

    The places that tend to be 24hr under capitalism tend to be gas stations, bars/clubs, and fast food. People need to fuel their vehicles, people need to unwind after a long day, and people need to eat. I don’t see any of those fading into obscurity for a long time after the revolution, so I also don’t see those not operating into the later hours of the night post-rev.

    Maybe my assertions are entirely wrong tho? It’s nearly impossible to say for certain.