The social network for trade unionists - a LabourStart project.
Too technical?
So, the new head honcho cruises into town and decides to tell us all that we have been doing it wrong all this time (since 1927!)...that we are too technical in our work. What does that mean really? As union staff we have been highly trained so that we are considered the best in negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, and the like. We can hold our own with attorneys...and often, teach them about the law! Finally, the members we provide service to DEMAND that we be technicians and know what we know to do battle for them. Anyone else face this sort of foolish union management sentiment?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Philip bowyer on -
At least part of the problem is that the ``Head Honcho`` has been around a long time and is set in his ways ( given that head H's are almost always men). One of ideas that holds back unions and union organising is the idea that somwhow age brings wisdom. However nice, wise or whatever they are, all elected trade union officials should go, retire, resign or whatever at a maximum age of 60. 55 would be even better. There are too many countries and unions where you can still find elected officials carrying on at 60, 70, 80 and I have even seen older than 90. Clearing out all the nice old men ( I am one of them...not sure about the nice but certainly old) would not create some disaster for the movement. The vacuum created would be instantly filled by younger people, more women hopefully as well. And there's just a chance they might bring new ideas , leadership and be a bit more inclined to devolving and sharing their supposed power in ways that would make the life of union staff a bit more exciting as well as tolerable. And there are plenty of ways the old guys could still be helpful and supportive of the movement.
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Permalink Reply by Meena Patel on -
How very well said...my experience while working in South Asia has been that at the age of 60, most trade union officials / leaders are tired, outdated, at times senile and have had a by-pass surgery or one major surgery which is in fact a warning bell telling them to bow out. I hold most of the senior trade union leaders - very v.v. few women though, in the highest of esteem for their sacrifices, struggles, inputs and achievements. But most of them have forgotten how to retire gracefully and with their dignity intact. Also they find it very difficult to guide gen-next with their "wisdom" because they are not in the lead. I have in the past, half jokingly, suggested that they retire to an old age home! But seriously, I also think that part of the problem is increasing bureaucratization of the trade union movement and very very top down union methods. Most are today proud to be a union official instead of a union organiser! Also the lack of emphasis on organising and collective decision making along with the members, is leading to head honcho's calling the shots. I have faced worst situation than what Mathew is describing....I can empathise with him....
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