Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
by Dennis De Peiza
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word collectivism as the practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it.
Wikipedia defines it as a value that is characterised by emphasis on cohesiveness amongst individuals and prioritisation of the group over the self.
The definition which identifies with the fact that collectivist cultures emphasise the needs and goals of the group as a whole over the desires of the individual, is most insightful.
The takeaway from this is that collectivism is often understood to be in contrast to individualism.
Given the significance of collectivism in the work of the trade unions, it is an uncontestable fact that it lies at the heart of trade unionism.
Trade unions as voluntary organisations have a remit to organise and represent the interest of workers.
Lobbying for change, engaging in the process of collective bargaining and negotiations are key aspects
of the work of trade unions.
If the concept of collectivism is fundamental to the work of trade unions, then this demands they take decisive action to combat growing threats to trade union existence, stability and relevance.
The high incidence of declining union membership which is being recorded globally, must be stemmed if an immediate turnaround is to take place. The observation has been made that unions have to overcome the changing attitudes of workers to unionisation.
This situation facing trade unions is compounded by the growing individualistic attitudes of workers at the workplace and their growing preference for entering into a contract of employment. Notwithstanding this development, there remain signs that workers are instinctively positive about trade unions.
Workers are conscious that trade unions play a pivotal role in improving pay and conditions of work. The sum total of this, is that there is a recognition that trade unions are working for the common good of workers. This underscores the need to bringing about the unification of workers.
Cameron Tait, Head of the Changing Work Centre, in presenting the findings of his research (2017), pointed out that there is enduring support for trade unions.
He made the point that “The non-unionised workers also had a good understanding of what unions do, but a corollary of this latent understanding is that unions will need to do more than just explain their role in order to recruit new members.”
The observation made by Cameron Tait is one that ought not to lost on trade union leaders, who are now challenged with the problem of maintaining the interest and vibrancy of the membership, and moreover, broadening the membership base.
Whilst it is important for trade union leaders to first focus on driving the practice of collectivism at the level of their individual organisation, they ought to spare a thought for doing the same at the level of the national trade union centre within their jurisdiction.
There is much to be achieved where there is a commitment to identifying with and applying the concept of collectivism under the ageist of the national trade union centre.
If it is that there is a preference for individualism, then this is not suggestive that the prevailing thinking aligns itself with a progressive outlook. This ultimately defeats the purpose of developing a common bond and unity of purposes.
Working together can therefore become problematic, if there is a propensity to focus on self. This approach can lend itself to working at cross purposes.
Whilst promoting collectivism is ideal for the labour movement, it will only be realised if there is a commitment by the interest groups to such a phenomenon.
As trade unions respond to the dynamics of the changing world of work, it is timely that they undertake to take a look at how they can meet the pending challenges.
The embracing of the concept of new collectivism is therefore something for active consideration
by trade union leaders.
The concept of new collectivism speaks to the need for reform and innovation within the labour movement.
The basis for new collectivism was identified in research findings of the Changing Work Centre: London, 2018, on the topic, A new Collectivism: The Future of Trade Unions.
A summation extracted from the findings highlighted that, “Legislation, industrial change and shifting attitudes have made the future of trade unions uncertain.
Falling membership especially in the private sector, is particularly concerning. Yet trade unions remain the most powerful tool at workers’ disposal.
Providing empowerment through collective organisation to protect workers’ interests and rights while also ensuring collective negotiations with employers.
For unions to thrive in this new industrial era, they must adapt and reform to best serve and attract a new generation of workers.”
Dennis De Peiza is a Labour & Employee Relations Consultantat Regional Management Services Inc. website: www.regionalmanagement services.com
