Re: What is Organized Labour

[Brian Kohler <bkohler@cep.ca>]

jdoggett wrote:
> 
> From this submission, I see the following points that 
> should concern organized labor entities.
> 
> 1.  The entity should bargain collectively for all members.  The members
> should not engage management over wage issues individually.

Correct.  The problem with individual engagement is that one could
potentially solve one's own problem at the expense of creating a similar
or worse problem for someone else - and not just over wage issues.  E.g.
I become aware of a safety problem that makes me uneasy, so I
individually persuade my boss to "switch" me with another person.  My
problem is solved, the other person's is just beginning.  Collectively,
the safety problem can and should be addressed and solved for everyone.
 
> 2.  The entity should ensure that workers receive compensation commiserate
> with the job.

Correct.  The concept of pay equity may also be inserted here. 
(Shouldn't the word be "commensurate"?)

> 3.  There is a moral responsibility for the union to safeguard laborers from
> arduous working hours and conditions.

Correct.  Traditionally, unions negotiate rates of pay, hours of work,
benefits, working conditions including occupational health and safety,
etc.
 
> 4.  The entity should make the lives of laborers more enjoyable by protecting
> the external affairs of the employee.  This guarantee takes the form of a
> positive home-life--or life outside of employment.

On this point, I am not so sure whether I agree/disagree, or if it is
simply a matter of emphasis.  It depends on what you mean by a "positive
home life or life outside of employment".  Some employers formerly
insisted on employees' church attendence on Sunday on the pretext of
enhancing a "positive home life".  Unions are strongly opposed to such
interference in people's personal lives - whether by the employer, or
anyone else, including unions.  We are strong supporters of democracy
and civil liberties.  We are also strong supporters of the collective or
social good - hence support for universal medicare, old-age/pension
plans, minimum wages, weekends and holidays, assistance for the disabled
and disadvantaged, anti-racism, etc. etc. So in summary we would tend to
support measures that would give people equal opportunities to enjoy the
fruits of their labour by enhancing their health and security, and
giving them the time in which to enjoy it.  We would generally oppose
direct interference in people's personal choices - e.g. what books to
read, which churches to go to, which political parties to belong to,
freedom of speech and movement, etc.
 
> 5.  The entity must engage the political body that oversees the geographical
> location in which the employee works.  The entity must compel government
> bodies to pass, and I assume enforce, legislation that protects and guarantees
> the workers their rights, which presumably the entity sought and acquired.
 
Correct, except for the word "compel", which I don't understand in this
context.  Every other group in our society has its advocates.  Workers
are entitled to theirs.  We will present our case, and participate in
the democratic process, to obtain public policies that are in the public
interest.

> 6.  The entity must be ever unceasing in their commitment and struggle.  The
> union cannot, for any reason, relent.

Correct.  Even presuming that good public policies that are in the
public interest are democratically passed by our governments, there is
always a danger in democratic societies of complacency, allowing that
good to be undone by special interests.

> 7.  The union must ensure that the workers live in a civil society where civil
> liberties and civil rights are enjoyed in a free and democratic society.

Correct.  Everywhere in the world, democracy and the existence of free
trade unions are closely linked.  Is one a precondition for the other,
or merely a very good indicator?  Either way, civil liberties, rights,
and democracy are in workers' (and the broader citizenry's) interests.

Brian Kohler