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Employers And Unions Do not have Exclusivity On Ethical Behaviour
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The blogosphere is pulsating with commentary about the Australian Health Services Union and whether or not Federal MP Craig Thomson has or hasn't done anything wrong. Allegations of misspending on unsavoury 'private' services with union credit cards are distasteful and fairly or unfairly, "mud sticks". Nevertheless the vast majority of the manufacturing workers I spoken with today saved their vitriol for big business.
They spoke from the growing divide between anyone who has billions, (they were particularly dismissive of mining and forestry magnates) and people who belong to poor people working class or worse, tragically and unacceptably, reside in abject poverty. Unions have performed an essential role throughout our labour history. They have needed to fight for what should not have had to become fought for. However they do not have a moratorium on ethical practice. They don't keep the so and so's honest. Sometimes it's the delegates and officials who need keeping honest.
akasse
I've worked across several sectors for 20 years. I've come across the entire gamut such as the employer attempting to create flexibility within the workforce to remain afloat, nimble or competitive simply to be sabotaged by union representatives serving their very own self-interest. I've seen hate campaigns (i.e. vicious bullying) mounted against managers running legitimate change agendas even where this might put long term worker employment at risk (as frequently those divisions were eventually sold or closed down). This really is holding a line that fails to look at the big picture.
I've seen incompetent and/or unscrupulous managers who commoditise their people and set them under impossible strain. I've also seen delegates around the factory floor threaten and marginalise people happy to perform a reasonable day's work with a reasonable day's pay. I understand completely the resentment of workers who see executives getting rich off what's perceived as being worker exploitation. However while far too many Australians may really be doing the work tough and be understandably envious, it's not a criminal offense to be wealthy. Union members have entitlement to be well represented by people sincere about hearing them and advocating on their behalf; not to pursue their very own agenda and never to protect the indefensible. Corruption isn't exclusive to big business. For individuals to continue to determine the relevance and function of their unions, members have to fight for morality within their own union community or we will have membership decline further. Employers and unions must ethically discharge their duties and be seen to be. (More)
