rRe: In a Global Economy, Labor needs employee ownership to anchor capital - Is Worker Ownership just Small-Time Self-Exploitation?

[jdoggett <jdoggett@kent.edu>]

Deb Olson wrote:
Regarding data, the Ohio Employee Ownership Center (OEOC) data concerning 
Unionized Ohio companies shows that union uses of worker buyouts and their 
attempts have generally been beneficial to the unions. I am hopeful that Joe 
or one of the other OEOC people on this list can dig up this data.


I think that one can go to the OEOC site-- http://www.kent.edu/oeoc --and find 
some articles on this issue.  One article, in particular, could be helpful.  
The article title goes something like: Bargaining with yourself.  The article 
highlights how unions and employee ownership are very compatible.

I would say that the difference in starting points is what may lead one to a 
difference.  If one views the union role as inherently opposed to the business 
role, then there are conflicts.  If one views the union role as an arbiter, 
collective bargainer, and protector of interests both for the company and the 
labor, then there is likely to be fewer conflicts.

Within this discussion, a participant provided the example of switching jobs 
in order to forgo some safety disaster AN individual worker.  However, by 
switching places with another worker, then the new worker is equally in 
danger.  If the union involves itself into the safety affairs of the all 
workers, then the first worker notifies the union about the safety problem.  
The union addresses the issue with the company, the company "fixes" the safety 
issue, and workers labor in a safe environment.  However, there is also a real 
benefit to the company.  They have workers who are at work and productive.  
There is less likelihood of grumbling amongst workers, for very real reasons.  
There is a reduction in liability.  Etc.

Therefore, I think that I may be opposed to the idea that there is an inherent 
separation and conflictual environment in which the union and the company 
exist.

Sincerely,
Joseph