The article discusses the growing inequality in the workforce, particularly for low-wage service workers who lack access to essential benefits like paid holidays, vacation days, and sick leave. It addresses the issue that many workers in the service industry, often categorized as "low-skilled," are essential to the economy, yet they are largely ignored in policy discussions. Despite fears surrounding AI and automation, many of these jobs—such as those in restaurants, hotels, and care industries—are irreplaceable by machines, and thus, these workers have the potential to remain in the workforce for years to come.

The article highlights how low-wage jobs have been historically undervalued, despite their importance, and argues that these jobs can be a key to building a new middle class in the future. The piece calls for updating the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure that all workers receive basic benefits such as paid holidays, sick days, and a higher federal minimum wage. It points out that such changes would not only improve the quality of life for workers but also benefit employers in the long term by creating a more stable and productive workforce.

Finally, the author urges policymakers to stop viewing these jobs as temporary or secondary and instead see them as foundational to a strong economy. Providing paid benefits to workers could lead to better job quality and, ultimately, an improved path for service workers toward the middle class.