Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.
by Dennis DePeiza
Trade union membership is opened to workers whether employed or unemployed. Signing up for membership in a trade union, is the initial step which signals the individual’s support for the organsation.
The decision to join a trade union is basically an exercising of the fundamental right of the individual, which is enshrined in the national constitution. Generally, national constitutions in democratic societies of the Commonwealth, identify with the right of freedom of association and the right to choose. This is an accepted universal right which is supported by the ILO Convention No. 87.
Individuals are known to join the trade union of choice for the sole purpose of securing representation and the safeguarding of their interest and welfare.
The power and influence which trade unions are expected to wheel, is derived from the collective will which it generates. This is grounded in the notion that there is strength in numbers. Because of this single factor, trade unions have the power to negotiate for more favourably working conditions and other benefits, and do so by engaging the collective bargaining process.
There is a perception that the trade union membership has a narrow interest, which is limited to the negotiation of better wages and benefits. This perception seems to be based on the ready response of the membership to the call by the trade union leadership, to participate in forms of industrial protests, in order to press demands for better wages and benefits.
This assessment can be challenged from the point of view that trade unions are known to be able to mobilise
their membership for the purpose of addressing such issues as occupational safety and health, environmental and workplace hazards, bad management practices, unfair labour practices, acts of unfair and wrongful dismissal, workplace discrimination and harassment, victimisation, anti labour legislation and government policies.
There is the understanding that the effectiveness of trade unions resides in their ability to mobilise the membership at all times. The difficulty, which they seem to have been experiencing from time to time, is that of winning the loyalty and commitment of individual members to the organisation. The problem apparently stems from the divisions created within trade unions, where personality issues and the element of partisan political politics have taken root. The fractures, tensions and divide created have undermined the credibility of trade unions and efforts made at organising of new members.
It is expected that by joining a trade union an individual will demonstrate support for the collective action and activities of the organization, irrespective of the political party which has their support.
Some may wish to question the basis of this contention, but it would be naïve to think that divide loyalty does not exists in our societies where individuals are afforded freedom of association and the right of choice.
More so, it would be foolhardy to believe that individuals are not enticed to support a political party of choice,
based on the manifesto promises and pledges made, propaganda and political gimmicks that are used to attract the support of the populace.
The fallout which trade unions experience, is also tied to the public bashing which they sometimes receive from sections of their own membership, should they oppose a government initiative or policy. Further, there are those
who would prefer not to be seen or heard in giving support to the causes or activities of their union, for the fear of being ridiculed for being a traitor to their political allegiance.
With this being the case, trade unions leaders must be able to build trust and to capture the confidence and respect of the membership. The utterances and actions of trade unions leaders are vital to the building of trust, confidence and respect of the membership. In a competitive environment where politicians direct their [energy] at capturing the attention of the workers as part of the general public, trade union leaders can become their biggest enemies, when they aligned themselves with the political agenda that conflicts with the labour agenda.
Whilst this may prove to be a problem for one trade union, it may be heralded as a blessing for another, especially in the instance where it stands to benefit in more ways than one. This is a defining test of today’s labour movement, which comes under the microscope, with the membership and workers generally left to question the sincerity of the leadership in providing representation.
It is not unheard of that some trade unions are directly linked with political parties. This is a practice known to exist in the United States of America, China and other countries across the world. In this experience, trade unions are expected to identify with the political agenda. The question of where the loyalty lies, will be ever one to be answered.
There is a point of view that the political function of the trade union includes affiliating the union with a political party, helping the political party in enrolling members, collecting donations, seeking the help of political parties during the periods of strikes and lockouts.
If this is to be accepted, then there is every reason to fear that the tradition, practice, character and function of the trade union as we know it, is a matter to be concerned about.
Dennis DePeiza is a labour & employee relations consultant, Regional Management Services Inc. www.regionalmanagementservices.com
