Pravin SINHA
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Trade unions and politics - 24/07/2007 13:42
This thread discusses the Content article: Trade unions and politics
Trade Unions or Trade in Unions
Debate on trade unions and politics is interesting but never ending since it is almosr difficult to have a definate answer. As a political scientist, I see trade unions as a political body fighting for securing space for the interests of its constituency, the workers. As such unions' association with political parties, particularly in countries where unions are yet to acquire required level of strength and professionalism, is not undesirable. It is however undesirable to be subservant tp political party or the political leaders.
If I may go into history to trace the entry of trade unionsims in the developing countries, one finds that the politicalm parties hae played pivotal role in securing a position for trade unions. In South Asian countries one clearly sees the link between trade unions and their links with one or the other political parties. As such these had been positive contribution.
It is however painful that incourse of six decades the trade unions have continued to be dependent [ or even increased their dependence] on the political parties. It is even more painful to see the stable leadership, particularly at the national and regional levels, who have nordoubt made significant constribution, but are passed stage yet are reluctant to set aside and allow the next generation to stepin. In their effort to keep in position, many of the leaders have taken positions that are anti workers as also unions. Some of them, have even connive with the employers fir a trade off.
The members are hapless as the leadership are more resourceful and have support of the political parties.
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