Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.

Our Goals

Higher wages for underpaid workers.
Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
Better and fewer working hours.
Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.

founded 1 year ago

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244

‘In the US they think we’re communists!’ The 70,000 workers showing the world another way to earn a living (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 4 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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The Basque Country’s Mondragón Corporation is the globe’s largest industrial co-operative, with workers paying for the right to share in its profits – and its losses. In return for giving more to their employer, they expect more back.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago

The salary differential between the highest and lowest paid workers in Mondragón, for example, remains about six to one; for the largest 500 listed companies in the US, the gap is closer to 272 to one. At the year end, members of Mondragón’s co-operatives also decide collectively on whether they should pay themselves bonuses and, if so, how much. This profit-sharing comes in addition to a base pay rate that, on average, is 40% above Spain’s minimum wage.

Man where do I sign up??

[–] [email protected] 26 points 4 months ago

think we're Communists

It'd be cooler if you were.

But definitely cooperatives would be a HUGE improvement over what we have now.

[+] [email protected] -38 points 4 months ago (4 children)

That's corporate socialism, not communism. As someone who lives in the US, I don't know anyone who would call that communism. #americabad I guess?

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

Corporate socialism? Honestly never heard that. Market Socialism is the form of socialism that seeks to have publicly-traded companies abolished and replaced by co-ops. Mixed with state owned companies in the case of natural monopolies and basic services (transport, electricity, education, health, etc).

Market Socialism is very much aligned with OG Marxism, so I see how red-scared people may call it communism.

[–] [email protected] 56 points 4 months ago

I live in a red state, it is common to call any collective action communism. It’s common historically for the right to call collective action or ownership communism.

[–] [email protected] 27 points 4 months ago

I think the term they used is best: co-operative

[–] [email protected] 46 points 4 months ago

There is a book "From Mondragon to America" which goes into excruciating detail about how it all works. It's not just a few factories there are credit unions, food coops and more all doing business together.