Capitalism and Mergers - Workers From All Countries, Get Involved!

Definition:

Since Marx, the word "capitalism" has characterized an economic system that promotes private ownership of the means of production (factories). "Capital" today generally consists of stocks. The "capitalist" is a stockholder.

Situation:

Never before have stockholders enriched themselves so shamelessly at the cost of the worker than today - in dimensions that Marx never could have imagined. Never before were the lances of economic competition of such unequal lengths. Never before was the "free" market economy so unfree.

The opinion of the VirGlob-SP:

We have nothing against private ownership of the means of production and profits that result from it, as long as the risk for the shareholder is approximately as great as it is for the workers and as long as the latter participate according to their share of the net profits. In principle, we also have nothing against mergers. Furthermore, we do not oppose the market and competition - as long as lances of equal length can be used for the duel.

What the VirGlob-SP does not want:

- that the value of a company can be manipulated - up or down;

- that the value of a company is driven up by unnecessary mergers that must be compensated for by the workers through increased performance, lower wages, and layoffs;

- that quick profits can be made by layoffs and mergers;

- that companies exploiting workers maintain a market advantage;

- that companies not producing or transporting in a sustainable manner maintain a market advantage;

- that shareholder voting rights are manipulated by the nesting of companies or the issuance of preferred stocks.

What the VirGlob-SP wants:

- a capitalism within politically controlled restraints - a "socially conscious" capitalism;

- laws that prevent this shameless redistribution;

- worker participation in profits sharing - also through joint-venture companies and pension funds;

- an improvement of competition - worldwide

  Measures:

- workers likewise are given the possibility of procuring shares in their company;

- if a company is unable to secure the assets of the workers, it hands over shares in a corresponding number of stocks to the workers;

- capital gains are taxed;

- corporate law becomes democraticized;

- a law against cartels;

- worldwide standards for fair work relationships and sustainable production;

- worldwide standards for sustainable transportation of commodities;

- energy and resource prices cover the identified external costs - on all continents.