#BTColumn – Marginalising trade unions

by Dennis DePeiza

The trade union movement has had to come to grips with the reality that it faces the threat of being marginalised. Based on the historical trends, the conclusion is likely to be reached that the marginalization which its faces today, is nothing new.

Some may wish to question the actions of Governments and other social partners, who tend not follow the practice of inclusion and engagement in the process of social dialogue, consultation and collaboration.

This is enough to cause a red flag to be raised regarding their commitment to the pursuit of inclusion in the governance arrangements, as opposed to engaging in acts of marginalization.

It would be reasonable to assume that the promotion of trade union solidarity and unification is facilitated through the establishment of national trade union centres, and the subsequent embrace of the concept of the Social Partnership.

Attempts at the marginalization of the labour movement within the first quarter of the 21st century, should not come as a major surprise. The introduction of globalization and neo-colonization, are new phenomena that can be described as a new form of capitalism.

These new economic models which continued to perpetuate a system of economic control and dominance, translate in the cementing of what has existed for centuries.

With the dominance of those from the capitalist class being involved in elective politics and becoming members of government, they have effectively maintained control of the governance and decision-making process.

With this level of authority and control, and the fact that Governments are financially supported by the business community, it is difficult to conceive how the trade union movement which is primarily workers based, could wield the influence that places it in a position of dominance.

The way for the labour movement to bring about a change to the status quo, would be for it to maintain a strong show of solidarity and unification.

The need for the cementing of a strong trade union movement was recognized in March 1995 at the World Social Summit in Copenhagen. On that occasion, it was confirmed that there is a global social crisis which must be tackled by new action within and between countries across a wide range of policy areas.

The point was also made that without a strong, free trade union movement able to express the aspirations of working people and negotiate with employers and governments to find solutions, social tensions will worsen with disastrous consequences for the world. (Bill Jordan, General Secretary).

As the world watches and listens to the pronouncements of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the hope is that these world bodies by virtue of their actions, are sending the signals to trade unions across the world, that trade union solidarity is fundamental to the fight against trade union marginalization.

Consistent with this, the ILO and ICFTU must be demanding of governments and private sector organizations, that they have a responsibility to promote fairness, equality and justice, so as not to create suspicions within the minds of trade unions, that they are being marginalised.

Consistent with this thinking, it is timely to reflect on comments expressed at the 1996 Congress of the ICFTU. “It is therefore of historic importance for trade unionism as our affiliates define what policies and strategy are needed to meet this global challenge.

International solidarity in the 21st century will have to be more than a rhetorical slogan. Communication barriers that in the past made the international work of trade unions a specialist activity have to be swept away. We must develop new methods of organization to give a fresh dimension to international solidarity.

And it is essential that the ICFTU re-examines its own structures, including the role of its regional organizations, and its interaction with the International Trade Secretariats, the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD, the European Trade Union Confederation, the World Confederation of Labour and other international union bodies.

We need to change and equip ourselves to reshape the features of the emerging international economic and social order. (Sixteenth World Congress of the ICFTU, The global market – trade unionism’s greatest challenge)

The message of the ICFTU at its 1996 Conference ought to be embraced by all Governments. They should commit
to promoting harmony rather than division within the labour movement.

Governments must be in the vanguard of promoting inclusiveness in the governance arrangement, social dialogue for the purpose of enhancing decent work and addressing socio economic and sustainable development issues. Trade unions are considered as the agent of change and for this purpose, the value of trade unions must be respected.

The engagement of trade unions must not appear to be limited to crisis situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but should be frequently engaged on industrial relations, employment, social protection, occupational safety and health issues and fiscal measures.

The use of social dialogue, bipartite and tripartite discussions, are expected to be fully utilized in ensuring that the consultation and collaboration take place.

Dennis DePeiza is a labour & employee relations consultant, Regional Management Services Inc. Visit our Website: www.regionalmanagement services.com