The Unions like to say, ‘where there is no vision the people perish!’ Perhaps then, it is because of ‘the ageing process’ or even ‘failing eyesight’ that they seem unable to read the signs and take appropriate evasive action, despite the visible early warning indicators, which are blinding the rest of the country.
This could very well be the end of the line for trade unions as we knew them. However, there is hope!The more you listen-to and read Caswell Franklin’s contribution on behalf of labour, you cannot help nodding your head in approval that he embodies the trade union leader of the future: “sound academic and common sense judgment;” fresh; knowledgeable; energetic and committed to the cause of workers. In recent times, union leaders have selected a shortcut to a destination, which is not in the workers’ or the national interest and therefore – a path, which clearly does not make sense to workers.
‘Declining membership and influence,’ is never in any union’s interest, given the very interpretation of the word: “union.” This shows that the crisis, which was triggered by the failed-DLP-Government, is spreading.
In coming months, unions will see the Social Partnership, as their only life-support, but may find what they are trying to hold dear (in desperation for relevance) may no longer be important to, or in the interest of Government and Capital. Because the unions have been rendered “weak” they can no longer be regarded as a “partner” by capital, even if good company for the DLP. In fact, while the DLP is pushing-around labour unions and their leaders like “ponds” it is begging the private sector and capital to “bail-it-out” and invest more. No guessing where the DLP feels ‘real’ power and relevance reside!
High unemployment because of the large-scale and reckless massacre of workers by a Government (which gets it wrong and has lost its way) is never going to help the unions, which are already making themselves vulnerable.Starvation of dues because of high unemployment is one thing but when’ breach of trust’ and ‘loss of confidence’ are added to the brew – the unions will know that they have a serious crisis, for which they too will need representation and someone to bargain on their behalf. And, like the DLP, the number of people who are taking them seriously, is diminishing, rapidly.
As a further blow to the unions, while they were waiting for some “list” the IMF was the one who was telling the country that this failed-DLP-Government has so far axed 1800 persons, who were engaged with the Public Service. Then a most bizarre thing occurs: instead of criticizing the DLP for firing or slaughtering so many, the NUPW launched an unprovoked attacks the IMF, which is merely the messenger – announcing the provision of the DLP’s “secret deal!”
Even more troubling for the union is the sad fact that the DLP has disarmed it of its “collective bargaining ability,” and “stripped-it of its right to negotiate.” As an example, without a word being said in any negotiation, the IMF has already delivered the final position of the Government – that there will be a further “2-year wage freeze.”
What are you left with:? Unions with declining membership; robbed of dues, as a result of massive firings; disarmed of the ability to bargain collectively; stripped of the right to negotiate and powerless to do anything for workers (despite an Employees Rights and a Public Service Act) and even while people employed 10-years and more are being fired, while those employed as part of a oppressive fatted calf doctrine of 2008 – remain employed.
It is always a dangerous thing to play Russian Roulette and even more horrible would be “IF” old men whose acts and omissions convey being tired and having had enough on behalf of 10,000 or less – would now be offered and accept duty on behalf of 267,000, despite suggesting that they have no more energy or fight! If you cannot secure a victory for workers locally how then will you add value to Barbados, internationally, when even more energy (which you now suggest you no longer has) will be required?
In this regard, a foreseeable cost overrun should never be entertained by taxpayers, especially with Barbados already having a serious expenditure crisis! The only thing more disappointing than the way the union has conducted itself is the current Prime Minister causing over a half million dollars to be spent on a Commission on Alexandra School, simply to tell the country what it already knew and then – despite his awesome power and everything he could have done in the interest of Barbados – he commits the country to unnecessary and unjustified cost, by engaging an alarming number of rejected DLP candidates, in his large unproductive Cabinet, and at a time when the DLP is slaughtering workers to safeguard themselves, while the union remain silent, perhaps in anticipation of their own serving of the calf!
Meanwhile, the DLP’s war on workers and Barbadians, continue but the union cuss the IMF!
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