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12.
DD at the place of
Work Using TV for public debates on policy raises the question: Who decides what to show on TV? Those who do can manipulate the debate and the vote. This raises the question : Who decides policy at any place of work, not just in TV ? DD gives a clear answer: unless a majority of citizens decide otherwise, issues at any place of work must be decided by all employees who work there. This brings us to the crucial issue of Privatization Vs. Nationalization of the economy. We see that the crucial issue is not of Privatization or Nationalization of units of the economy, but their Democratization. Every employee must have the right to propose, debate, and vote on every policy at work. This will make work far more rewarding and efficient. Should employees wish to nominate experts to decide technical issues, this must be done by lottery and maintain the employees’ right to revoke any nomination at any time. Some say Direct Democracy at work is impossible. But is it desirable? If so, where there’s a will there’s a way. When all employees decide all policies, management and unions become redundant. This will greatly reduce the costs of production and will eliminate most conflicts at work, since people do not act against their own decisions. Employees’ Direct Democracy at the place of work will end the misery most employees feel today as they cannot decide anything concerning their work and just oppose certain decisions made by management and unions. Attempts to introduce DD at work will be met by fierce resistance from management, unions and political parties. Those facing this resistance will have to decide how to respond to it. Today it suffices to offer DD at work as an alternative to present methods of production with their constant conflicts and frustration. In small work-places, employee meetings to debate and decide policy can be held in a hall by raising hands. When hundreds or thousands of employees wish to debate and vote, they can do so by using closed circuit TV or computer networks and other methods of electronic communication. All employees must debate these procedures without outside interference, and the majority decision implemented. Introducing DD at work will meet many problems, but technical problems can be overcome by using modern technology. If rancour is harnessed by tolerance and anger by humour, DD can be implemented without violence and bloodshed. When those who desire DD become the majority - and implement it - they will transform not only their work but their entire lives and the life of society. DD can be introduced only when most employees want it. Without majority support there can be no DD anywhere. |
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