Looking ahead with labour optimism

TTUTA

FEW WILL dispute that 2018 was one that dealt the labour sector some serious blows, the highlight being the retrenchment of Petrotrin workers and the continued expressions of mistrust of the role and functioning of the Industrial Court by employers, despite the statistical justifications repeatedly outlined by the court president.

The continued adversarial nature of the relations between labour and employers remains a source of grave concern given its attendant impact on the economy at large.

This state of mistrust and antagonism continue to fuel lower rates of productivity, with workers harbouring feelings of exploitation and alienation.

The tardiness or inability of the Government to address, via Parliament, the vexing question of labour legislation reform, beginning with the Industrial Relations Act, did not do anything to boost worker and trade union trust and confidence, despite promises made by the Labour Minister when she assumed office.

This package of labour legislation reform simply can’t seem to assume parliamentary priority for yet another year. It is hoped that this issue will be vigorously pursued by a united labour front in the coming year.

The need for trade union unity is relevant now more than ever, given the advancing power of a consolidated bourgeois class.

The age-old capitalist notions of workers being seen and treated as property – used exclusively for the creation and generation of profits for the ruling elite has taken new root globally and our employer class has been only too happy to be reinvigorated with such notions, given the weaknesses of legislative protections.

The naked grab for absolute power by some employers has emboldened them to attack the purpose and neutrality of democratic institutions like the Industrial Court in their quest to brainwash gullible sectors of the society.

Powerful sectors of the society have quietly joined forces, united through a common purpose of wealth creation, to unleash a full frontal attack on workers and the labour sector, using a combination of mainstream and social media to consistently bombard less discerning minds with anti-worker/anti-trade union rhetoric.

The response of the labour movement to this reality cannot be silence or isolated sporadic countenance by individual labour leaders. It must be united, resolute and consistent – based on a clinical and target programme of worker education and empowerment.

It has become quite obvious that the average worker in Trinidad and Tobago takes their rights for granted, given their apathy and indifference to calls for involvement and solidarity action by unions.

Most young people joining the realm of employment are oblivious to the fact that the rights they take for granted were won through hard-fought battles not too long ago and that these rights must be jealously guarded and strengthened, failing which they will be stripped by the wealth creation agenda of the minority who will not hesitate to use the democratic institutions to their advantage.

Societies that are founded on principles of social justice, democracy and equity must always be reminded that eternal vigilance is the price for the preservation and maintenance of these principles. Complacency will be our own peril.

Our teachers have a sacred duty to infuse these principles into every aspect of their curriculum delivery, both formally and informally. Labour leaders must unite if only for this common purpose.

Egos and selfish political agendas must be cast aside in the coming year by all true labour leaders as they consolidate their limited resource base for a year ahead that will undoubtedly see a continuation of the onslaught on unions and workers.

Labour rights advocacy must be given high priority in the coming year if the advancing power of a united employer class is to be challenged or countered.

False and incompetent labour leaders whose tainted political agendas have consistently fuelled division in the labour movement must be confronted head-on in this quest to attain unity of purpose. The labour movement cannot prosper with labour monarchs, whose egos transcend their sacred duties.

The year ahead must be one during which workers across the country must awaken from their slumber, realising their individual responsibility to safeguard their right to be treated with dignity and respect.

This can only be done through true empowerment – arming oneself with knowledge and the conviction to speak up and stand up.

Failing this, the coming year will see more retrenchment, a continued erosion of buying power and the increased marginalisation of trade unions. The economic landscape is already skewed in favour of capitalists. Balance must be restored and soon.