May Day 2011: Time to take stock

it stands in relation to the economy, and even the local political situation. With no apparent major effort at mobilisation to celebrate the most internationally recognised day for workers, the least that the leadership of the movement can do is to make time for some reflection. The efforts at worker mobilisation over the past decade have been too tentative, timid and downright half-hearted to yield positive results. What has made the task even more difficult has been the lack of interest shown by the very same workers that the unions have been trying to mobilize. It is as though most workers neither know nor care about the glorious history of May Day and what sacrifices have been made over the years to have this day universally recognized.

Since the coming to power of the current administration in 2001, there have been significant opportunities provided for the labour movement to advance. The industrial relations climate has improved manifestly, and even when there have been differences between government and the trade union movement, one cannot say that these have been in an atmosphere of antagonism or hostility. The door to dialogue has remained open at all times, even when there have been clear moments of tension, especially concerning the public service unions.

This is one very positive element in the equation which has contributed to the relative industrial peace. One must remember that it is the actions of the workers of St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the period 2000/1 that led to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) being able to overcome the long years in the wilderness by winning the general election of 2001, after the local mass movement shortened the term of office of the then governing New Democratic Party (NDP). The ULP must not be allowed to forget this, and ought to be eternally grateful to the labour movement for the opportunity provided. The NDP has certainly not forgotten, nor does it seem inclined to forgive.

To its credit, the ULP administration has instituted a number or pro-worker measures since coming to office. One very significant action has been the enactment of the long-sought compulsory recognition law. This is a right for which generations of trade union leaders fought and which was at the root of many of the most protracted labour disputes over the years. That alone should be enough to give workers a reason to celebrate International Workers day on May 1, but today it seems to be taken for granted. In addition, the ULP administration has generally lived up to its commitment to be a “labour” government, in contrast to the actions of previous Labour administrations.

Over the last decade, the composition, nature and outlook of the labour movement have undergone a number of changes. These reflect the developments in the economy itself, as a result of the influence of both external and internal factors. While still too far few workers are currently unionised, much of the negative stigma among white-collar workers about joining trade unions has been eroded. The leadership of the trade union movement, too, has undergone changes with few of the “old guard” still active. Sadly, their replacements have not always displayed the traditional commitment to the cause of the workers or willingness to go the extra mile in their interests.

Another factor impacting negatively on the labour movement is the degree to which political partisanship often seems to override working class solidarity. The polarisation along party lines has not escaped the labour movement, and rather than respond to government initiatives as an instrument of the class of workers, some trade union leaders fall prey to political pressures. There have even been occasions when, instead of trying to widen the scope of dialogue and deepen co-operation, misguided leaders have neglected opportunities provided. As individuals, and as organised bodies, leaders and unions have a right to support parties of their choice, but they need to draw the line between their preferences and the interests of the workers and the movement as a whole. That distinction is not always appreciated or respected.

These are all matters which ought to be on the agenda of the labour movement as it approaches May Day. The global financial and economic cris and its impact on workers, globalisation and international trade agreements, spiralling oil prices and the resultant negative effects on living standards and the very real problem of rapidly rising cost of food, are pressing issues which the movement can only ignore at its peril.

Pensions, social security and environmental issues such as climate change and disaster mitigation provide more than enough material for trade unions to work on continuously.

Wages and salaries are important, of course, but gains in these areas can quickly dissipate if attention is not paid to the wider issues. That is why sober reflection, forward planning, class consciousness and worker solidarity are so important.

A PLEASANT MAY DAY TO ALL WORKERS AND YOUR FAMILIES!

Renwick Rose is a community activist and social commentator.