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The Austrian Economic System
Structure
The Austrian Economic System is officially known as "Austrian Socialism." More orthodox socialists, however, view it as being capitalistic; capitalists, as well as fascists, view it as being orthodox socialist.
Society under the system is divided into two classes - producers and directors. Directors are responsible for directing the economy as well as the production; producers must follow their orders. However, they may only do this according to a framework set quarterly by a joint assembly of representatives from both the productive and director classes, in which each has equal power. This framework, which places a high number of regulations on directors, is enforced by labor courts made up of unelected representatives half from the producer class and the directors class, chosen based upon their impartiality, level of education, and knowledge of the law. These labor courts are heavily regulated by the Ministry of the Republic, made up of a sort of elite of those considered to be the most educated, impartial, and loyal of those in the courts.
The framework also decides pay, which, according to the constitution, must be be the exact compensation for work done added to living wage. This results in the supervisory class almost always having the lowest pay in all Austria, which generally prevents those in search of wealth or power from joining it.
To join the director class, one must meet the same criteria needed to become a member of a labor court.
In contrast, the class of producers is open to all meeting its criteria above the age of 22. One must have at least graduated either the grammar or vocational schools to join it; if not, one must return to the school.
Classes
Both classes have separate assemblies, in which other frameworks complementary to those of the professional chambers. In the class of producers, this framework regulates cooperation, the maintenance of equipment, strikes, and devolved welfare; in the class of directors, this framework regulates the relation between higher and lower supervisors, cooperation, and devolved welfare.
This is done on a yearly basis, and adjusted quarterly.
Planning
At meetings of the Council of Estates, on a yearly basis, an all-encompassing economic plan guiding all production is drawn up, with the aid of the president and councils of experts. This plan is technically optional; following it is rewarded with subsidies. However, it is universally followed, largely as a result of the economic structure, in which supervisors at the top can demand, within the framework created by the total body of supervisors, that lower supervisors carry out specific tasks, concentrating power in the hands of a few dozen people who almost always agree completely with the economic .plan. However, the plan is often modified by lower functionaries as to fit 'material conditions,' within an extent defined by the yearly framework.
Every quarter, the plan is reevaluated, and in some cases is adjusted.