EhudSep 14, 2023
Ned Yeung
I don't know how many times it needs to be said. Supporting workers and worker pay is always good for the economy. Supporting anti-worker, pro-capitalist policy is always bad for the economy. Period. Workers are the backbone of the marketplace, not ownership. #Union
Sep 14, 2023 at 6:20pmWeb
Show threadKevin RussellSep 14, 2023

@ned

Save the world, join a union. Save the economy, the environment, the arts. Join a union, tax a corp, save the world.

Show threadVolineSep 14, 2023
@ned @mhoye
Once they clock out workers become *consumers*, or collectively, aggregate demand.
Show threadNed YeungSep 14, 2023

@Voline @mhoye Workers with no spending power, thanks to self-destructive corporate greed.

"Capitalism will eat itself."

Show threadVolineSep 14, 2023
@ned @mhoye
I disagree. It's not greed, it's the internal logic of the system. Even the most virtuous CEO will seek to minimize workers’ wages — or he won't be CEO for very long.
Show threadAaronSep 14, 2023
@Voline @ned @mhoye Systemic greed?
Show threadPixelJonesSep 15, 2023

@Voline @ned @mhoye
That's what is broken. For 50 years the "Friedman Doctrine" has sold the idea that delivering shareholder value is the one and only legitimate goal of CEOs and boards.

Any labor improvements, environmental or social considerations are immediately suspect or, at best, thought of as cute PR stunts. If the stock goes up as a result, great. If not, the investor pitchforks come out & any "soft" CEO is run out of town.

That's why we need mandatory worker stakes in companies.

Show threadGrimpen MarSep 15, 2023

@PixelJones @Voline @ned @mhoye big fan of worker ownership. Workers are usually more concerned with the long term health of the company, rather than pumping the stock price to make a quick buck.

I think there was a famous 19th century philosopher who said something about workers owning something…

Show threadNed YeungSep 15, 2023

@grimpen @PixelJones @Voline @mhoye

That absolutely describes me at my job. They always want things done fast and carelessly with no concern for future sustainability in mind, while I want things done right and professionally, considering sustainability for future jobs of the sort.

Show threadKévin ⏚Sep 14, 2023

@ned @Voline @mhoye even the "safe" industries like food aren't safe.

The producers can't afford to be in business or keep a roof over their heads without taking a second or third job and the buyers are relying on food banks

Show thread🎓 Doc Freemo  🇳🇱Sep 15, 2023
@ned Sorry but giving workers the right to decide for themselves what union to join and IF they want to join a union at all is not anti-worker.....