“Exploitation” has (at least) two meanings:
1. treating someone unfairly for one’s own benefit
2. make use of & benefit from some resource
Are you sure this labor pool isn’t being exploited?
Are you sure this labor pool isn’t being exploited?
Applying the second definition to the labor market would mean every worker is being exploited, because no profit-seeking corporation (or resource efficient government program) would keep a workforce that is a net loss to the organization.
No, it means the labor side of the labor market is being exploited by capital. It means the capital side of the labor market is being exploited by labor. And yeah, that’s an accurate and correct use of “exploit.”
When you're referring to two people, then exploited always refers to definition 1.
Have you ever heard anyone say "I exploited my employee" in a context where they're referring to definition 2?
If you're talking about mineral deposits or something, then sure... you can apply definition 2. "The company exploited the ore's rich iron deposits".
Your contention that “exploitation” can’t refer to labor is a political construction, not a rational one.
Indeed, so what?