I have suggested that before - Edit 1
Before modification by Tom at 15/12/2012 02:32:08 PM
In fact, if you read my initial response, that's what I suggested.
The only problem is that privately-held companies wouldn't do that, but at the public company level it is a great idea. It gives them a stake in the company's profit (upside potential) and allows them to vote at shareholder meetings, but because they can vote however they want to they don't HAVE to end up all voting the same way. Convince your money investors that something is a good thing and get enough worker votes as well, and you can get that pay increase. But if all the workers vote against it, well, you don't get it.
The only problem is that privately-held companies wouldn't do that, but at the public company level it is a great idea. It gives them a stake in the company's profit (upside potential) and allows them to vote at shareholder meetings, but because they can vote however they want to they don't HAVE to end up all voting the same way. Convince your money investors that something is a good thing and get enough worker votes as well, and you can get that pay increase. But if all the workers vote against it, well, you don't get it.