Jim:...shouldn't we add "plus the benefits of welfare-state programs such as unemployment insurance benefits" ? then, the wage struggle is about (1) real after-tax private wages plus (2) the real net social wage (welfare-state benefits minus taxes on wages). IMHO, pushing to raise both of these at the same time is the way to go. Rebecca: I agree that workers struggle can centre around the issue of state spending on welfare for the working class. However this does not validate an argument that claims that state health care etc for the working class forms part of the price of labour power. Warm regards Rebecca
