Kevin Leetion
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Re:How can we best build a vibrant, growing trade union movement? - 18/07/2007 21:59
I'm afraid I can't see what you're so abgry about. At no point does the article argue against your perfectly reasonable point that union members deserve first class representation. Naturally, there are personal cases where the only solution is the legal one, and we should be able to deliver on that.
However, I must disagree with you that unions are wholly 'service organisations'- we are 'members' after all and not 'customers'. The article instead gets to grips with where our strength actually comes from- ie its size and strength of membership rather than ace negotiators and lawyers (although they obviously have a role to play). Even with the best representation in the world it will always be harder to deliver real improvements to terms and conditions in an area with 10% membership compared to one with 95%. We achieve more together than we do as individuals, and the more of us then the stronger our bargaining position (I've heard that come from the lips of the head of HR at my last work!)
I don't know the author so cannot comment on his background or motivation. However, I do agree that there are problem branches that are weak, detached, and unrepresentative. Again, the article offers pointers to improve the situation- by encouraging members to talk about their union and to take a lead in their local issues they are encouraged to take an interest in their representatives, hold them to account, and even stand for office themselves.
Your final paragraph is rather unfair- no-one is suggesting that at all. The thrust of the article is about how to get members engaging in the union and its democracy- I can't see why this is a bad thing. You may not like his use of the word 'solidarity', and I would agree with you if he used it as an abstract concept. However, I feel that the article puts it in a very practical context- we need more members and more activists- not to cover up for a poor service, but to strengthen us so that management really takes note.
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