#BTColumn – Trade unions are in decline. Here’s what needs to happen

Caribbean trade unions came into being in the 1920s. The transition from the colonial era to the period of independence in the 1960s brought heightened vibrancy to the labour movement in the English-speaking Caribbean island states.

However, at the turn of the 21st century, this momentum appears to have waned. The reasons for this decline are likely to be multifaceted and speculative.

The early history of the regional labour movement suggests that the heightened interest in its advocacy was closely tied to the struggles for political independence and social advancement. Social advancement was recognised as the foundation for economic enfranchisement and the promotion of individual rights and freedoms.

The formation of Caribbean trade unions was driven by the need to encourage workers to become organised.

It was important for workers to unite, strengthening these organisations as the representative voice of labour. This laid the foundation for trade unions to collaborate with emerging political parties, which shared a common agenda of economic and social advancement and the political enfranchisement of the working class. A notable feature of this period was the close association between trade union leaders and political parties.

The strength of the trade union movement in its early years seemed to lie in its ability to organise and mobilise workers. Today, in the first quarter of the 21st century, this ability has diminished. Reports indicate declining trade union membership, attributed to factors such as globalisation, economic recessions, restructuring programmes in both public and private sectors, the introduction of new technologies, digitisation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

While recent statistical data on unionisation across the region is unavailable, research findings suggest a decline.

A 1998 report by the Caribbean Group for Cooperation in Economic Development (CGCED) highlighted union density figures in various Caribbean nations, which showed considerable variation. Dr Andrew Downes’ 2001 research also pointed to low unionisation rates, raising questions about why working-class people, who are increasingly aware of the need to promote and protect their rights, are not participating actively in trade unions.

This trend is particularly concerning given ongoing concerns such as poverty alleviation, fair wages, social security, improved working conditions, workplace safety, and decent work standards. It seems counterintuitive for workers to eschew trade unions that advocate for these critical issues.

Trade union leaders must examine the reasons behind this lack of engagement. Experts suggest that the de-emphasis on trade union education and training has contributed to limited participation by members. This shift in focus towards financial matters has come at the expense of equipping members with the knowledge and tools to drive advocacy.

Furthermore, a lack of strategic organising and mobilising has demotivated members. Competition among unions for membership, rather than cooperation, has also weakened solidarity. This division allows governments to exploit the lack of unity, undermining the collective strength of trade unions.

The vibrancy of trade unions is further questioned when they struggle to achieve a quorum for their annual general meetings, whether held in person or online. This implies that unions are only able to galvanise members during wage negotiations or when convenient.

If trade unions are to regain their vibrancy and relevance, they must refocus on the principles of solidarity, education, and strategic organisation. Without this, the future of the labour movement in the Caribbean remains uncertain.

Veteran trade unionist Dennis De Peiza is a labour and employee relations consultant with Regional Management Services Inc.