Thoughts of a lifelong trade-unionist

by John Maher

As a trade union activist for all of my working life I would like to comment upon the paucity of debate concerning this important area for ordinary people.

If republicanism is to have relevance for the majority of citizens surely the terrain of organised labour cannot be left to people who foster the notion of equal "partnership" between the CEO and office or factory operative.

A significant negative feature flowing from the partnership model in recent years has been the targeting and sacking of elected workplace representatives. Many of these people disturb (often unwittingly) settled assumptions of partnership through challenging usually elementary issues of injustice in the workplace. Such actions rarely make the headlines.

Legislation co-authored with ICTU officials, makes it illegal to take industrial action in defence of any one individual. Before such action can happen, an elaborate process of third party arbitration must take place. This often takes months or longer. Even if the employer violates their own procedure in a dismissal case, those taking supporting strike action in solidarity with that individual are liable for damages or jail. It is obvious that this law is aimed at those seen as "rocking the boat". One company argued in a court that their relationship with their employees was analogous "to a marriage". From that perspective they articulated the position that the relationship with the sacked shop steward (of 25 years service) "had irretrievably broken down". Even where the employee’s case is upheld, reinstatement is rarely an outcome.

Much of the trade union leadership have actively promoted partnership. At the top of the pyramid this may appear like a glossy, progressive approach, at the shop or office floor level however the gloss often rapidly loses its sheen. Even more insidious however is the reality that those who voice criticism are frequently viewed by the employer and union leaderships as trying to buck "our" partnership. From this perspective the world is a much easier place with such individuals out of the way. It is extremely dangerous for working people to voice opinions different from the official position, leaves them open to targeting and potential loss of livelihood.

Another by product of partnership has been the effective deactivation from collective bargaining of ordinary workers. National deals are signed for fixed periods and other elements of negotiation are left to "professional" officials.

Cumulatively what is being eroded are fundamental tenets of trade union democracy. The position of Mick O’Reilly is illustrative in a high profile manner of a steadily developing pattern. Informed speculation points to a significant indigenous impact into the outrageous position that this union official find himself in. This should ring alarm bells for the people striving for social justice and human rights.

Are these not core elements of what the struggle has always been about? The terrain of organised labour is too important to be left to those "revolutionary socialists"? who shout their slogans from the sidelines. The latter invariably elect to avoid the daily grind, in which judgement is critical and when to retreat or take action requires an accurate and dispassionate assessment of any given situation. Calling for general strikes might sound exciting or "revolutionary", such calls however generally lack any ground work, or potential in reality and serve only to enhance those officials who can dismiss them as the "lunatic fringe" or products of the fevered imagination of disgruntled elements of the privileged.

Is it not now time for republicans to become active in their unions and establish a base to assist those who are attempting to defend workers rights? The potential power of aggregate numbers is an inherent feature of trade unionism. The internal battle against corruption and emasculation requires commitment and discipline if people of the calibre and integrity of Mick O’Reilly, Brendan Ogle and others is not to be lost. Regardless of the arguments for or against partnership, the stifling of democracy in the trade union movement represents a clear and present danger, not to mention disillusionment. To mobilise that power inherent in aggregate numbers, for the defence of elementary rights and the repeal of pernicious legislation, is only a start, but a very necessary one.

FOURTHWRITE, PO BOX 31, Belfast BT127EE