Originally posted by Obbe
So, a little while ago, I got my first paycheck at my new job. Wasn't too bad, I guess, but I figured out that I produced a lot more units per hour than I got paid for, even when you account for the price the units sell for. When I tried to talk to my boss about this, he said something like "we're all part of a team, but some people pet paid more than others". I found this suspiciously close to the famous "some are more equal than others" from one of my favorite books, Animal Farm. And this is what really got me thinking.
We produce all this value, and then he takes the profit and gives most of it to someone who doesn't even work! I'm no economist but this is textbook socialism. I think I've come to the conclusion that the best way for me to combat these socialist business practices would be teaming up with my fellow workers to unify our power and demonstrate we realize the value of our labor. Anyone have any similar experiences with Marxist bosses, or any advice?
You are so backasswards I can barely figure out where to start.
If your boss is not the owner your argument fails right there for obvious reasons.
If he is the owner then what you describe is capitalism not socialism. What you seek to effect is socialism. As the owner he risked and continues to risk his capital to start and keep it operating at a profit. As a voluntary employee you risk zero captial period full stop.
Another failure in your position is this. Let's say you get paid $20/hr and produce 10 units that sell for $20 each. First you didn't specify whether The unit value was wholesale or retail. Either way it doesn't matter. There are a ton of other costs that go I to the production of those units than your paycheck.
The cost of the land and building including maintenance. The cost of insurance for both the business and possibly even its employees. Plus your paycheck costs more than the amount you receive. In fact for every $10 per hour an employer pays out on average they must also spend another $4.00 in matching federal, state, and local funds.
Most small to medium businesses which are owned by an individual operate at quite a thin profit margin. All you see is $10,000,000 in sales and think the owner is some kind of fat cat exploting the little guy. When the truth is only a relatively small percentage of that ends up in his personal account. Sure it's a more than what goes into your account per hour. But if the company fails you lose nothing but a job you don't appreciate and he loses everything he has ever worked for.
If you don't like signing the back of a paycheck every week take some risks with your capital. If you are smart, capable, and apply yourself you could be signing the fronts of many paychecks every week.
