HR Policy Association
News

Sanders Unveils Plan to Mandate Ownership Stake for Employees

Published on:

Topics:

A new proposal by presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) would require all large companies to contribute 20% of company stock to employees while granting workers voting control of 45% of seats on company boards, among a variety of other measures similar to Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) Accountable Capitalism Act.

Companies would be mandated to contribute to employees 2% of their stock per year over a 10-year period.  An “employee-controlled fund” would distribute any dividends to employees.

Similar to Sen. Warren’s plan, Sanders’ plan also calls for:

  • A large portion of company boards to be elected by employees, at 45% to Warren’s 40%; and

  • The establishment of a Bureau of Corporate Governance at the Department of Commerce, which would grant federal charters to corporations binding them to mandates regarding corporate responsibility.

Stock buybacks banned:  Sanders' plan also calls for an outright ban on stock buybacks.

Outlook:  Two of the top three Democratic candidates for president are now putting forward proposals that would mandate that companies take a broader view of who is a stakeholder and the consequent corporate responsibilities.

MORE NEWS STORIES

Women Boost Boardroom Performance Worldwide
Compensation Committee and Board

Women Boost Boardroom Performance Worldwide

December 20, 2024 | News
Former EEOC Chair Sets Stage for HR’s Future at Center’s Annual Meeting
Compensation Committee and Board

Former EEOC Chair Sets Stage for HR’s Future at Center’s Annual Meeting

November 22, 2024 | News
Center on Executive Compensation Exclusive – DEI Metrics
Employee Relations

Center on Executive Compensation Exclusive – DEI Metrics

October 25, 2024 | News