Are they only talking about preferred stock, or common stock, or both?

Common stock, I assume. Dividends are not an interest-free loan. They are what they are, an interest in the company's assets and profits. Lenders get the first dollars of revenue (after operating costs), and shareholders get the last dollars of revenue. That's why shareholders expect to get more than lenders, even if their payment is contingent.

Do you take a position on the corrupt global human labor futures market?

Beats me. You describe it so abstrusely that I can't recognize the real world in your words. A bit more "If Johnny has three apples...." plain English would avoid the impression that you don't really want to engage on the subject.

I do have a position on labor-based international trade, but I have no idea whether that's what you're talking about.