SOSC 1510 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Social Enterprise, Economic Democracy, Industrial Democracy
10 Sep 2018
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Document Summary
Democracy rule by the people reflects the belief that all humans are equal in some essential matter. Political power stems from citizenship rights to vote, run for office, free speech. Our world is characterized by inequality in wealth and power undermines our democracy. Representative democracy in the workplace gives workers a voice, but little power unless the worker had parity with management. Workers are consulted about health and safety, new tech, downsizing etc. Workers reps may sit on board of directors, means more discussion more sensual decision making, but still a minority voice. Via works councils: contain elected workers + management reps. Employers have to advise, and consult works councils about changes in work, hours, pay etc. Work councils can demand compensation if workers are affected by layoffs or tech change etc. Collective bargaining at the industry level = dual representation system: better communication, working conditions, less downsizing/strife, more productive. An alternative to capitalism human equality, democracy, cooperation.
