A Working Class Alternative to Capitalism
February 23, March 2 & 9, 7-9 pm
Conference Room, Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street
Pre-registration required, space is limited.
The series will be made up of 3 evening of discussion on Economic Democracy: the Working Class Alternative to Capitalism by Al Engler
Al Engler will lead off each session with a twenty-minute presentation, facilitated by Bill Saunders, Ingrid Kolsteren, Joey Hartman and/or Ron Stipp, who may or may not agree with Al’s position. The aim is to encourage discussion of critical issues facing labour in a changing world.
Wednesday, February 23: Section 1, pages 9-44
Capitalism is often identified with the individual in the market, rising living standards, and democracy. Economic Democracy argues that capitalism is actually a system of wealth-holders’ entitlement, corporate domination of markets, and workplace dictatorship. It is a system of minority privilege that rests on repression, militarism, and war. Many people have increasing access to more goods and services, but the capitalist drive to maximize profits also leads to booms and busts, rising unemployment, the cheapening of labour, widening disparities within and among countries, and the “externalizing” of environmental costs. Why do we accept this? The working class already has the objective capacity to build a better system.
A registration fee of $20 (for all 3 sessions) is requested, but all are welcom. The book while not included in registration is available for purchase for $15.95 at People’s Co-op Books, 1391 Commercial Drive. Register by contacting the VDLC office: 604.254.0703 or office@vdlc.ca
