'The era of “do nothing, the boss can’t fire me" is over' says Ivy League professor Jeremy Siegel, as workers face down fear of layoffs

Professor Jeremy Siegel (Credit: Scott Mlyn—CNBC/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Not so long ago economists were largely convinced employees were the most powerful players in the labor market.

A stuttering economy, rampant inflation and a handful of mass layoffs later, it seems the tables may be turning.