What are unions? What do they do? Why?

Trade union renewal, union self-reform and similar issues are hot on the agenda for young trade unionists.What kind of union do we want for the 21st century and beyond?

Union members, many of them young members, have been thinking about the relevance of unions. The majority believe that unions are relevant - especially so in these times. But then they comment on the qualities that they want to see in their unions. They want unions to defend their rights - at work and in the community. They want to see their unions with stronger voices and influence in national, regional and international arenas.

Some leaders and members say that their unions need to be more "business like". And some talk about business unionism. What are the different models of unionism and what do you want your union to look like?

According to an article from the New Unionism Network, Buiness unionism is

From their lips to our ears

“Greetings on this International Day of Youth

On this day that speaks to the importance of the youth in the world, we should not take it lightly, and we must realise how important we are in this race of life. 

The importance of the role of  youth has not been missed, and on more than one occasion our voices have been key factors in getting issues dealt with. At present a number of trade unions are trying to put things in place to encourage growth in youth membership to stem declines in membership. Let us be frank. The trade union movement is not like it was a few decades ago  when it was more energised. Youth today have a lot more things to distract them and some see the trade union movement as archaic and not at all attractive to deal with their needs. 

Seeing this development, I along with two Sisters are working diligently on a set of recommendations for Trade Union Renewal in the Caribbean. -  task that some would not have easily or readily left in the hands of three young trade union members. We however see this as a visionary step by those who realise and recognise that the input of the youth factor is key in any reforms that the trade union movement currently needs. We have done a lot of work. But more still needs to be done and upon completion we expect it to be available to every trade union across the Caribbean and even further afield.

I however ask that you too look inside yourselves and your organisations and think about and examine strategies that can aid in the reform of trade unions so that we can  be better equipped to deal with the changing times.”

Shamir Brown

Delegate - Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO)

“Youth are dynamic, and our  enthusiasm is contagious.  We are longing to be involved in the trade union movement, in our  way, using our methods of communication, speaking our language, at our pace....

And union leaders, must recognise that in order to hope for and envision a future trade union movement, they must embrace the involvement of young people now. And not just embrace it,  but utilise it, nurture it, so that young people can grow and impact on other young people.”

Janel Joseph

Central Executive committee member - St Lucia National Workers’ Union (SLNWU)

Presentation on trade union renewal research

Working together: publc sector trade unionism in the Caribbean

Building a new and better platform for trade unionism in the Americas is key. The challenges of this century demand that organisations develop new partners, new synergies and find new ways of doing this.

The FES-PSI project provides a number of opportunities for affiliates to do just that. In order to be able to influence decision-making at the various levels, it means that trade unions must be working together also at those same levels.

Roland Ignacio, general secretary, CGTC

In a series of presentations at the 2011 workshop (Kingston) and the 2012 workshop (Port of Spain), Bro Roland Ignacio, General Secretary of the CGTC in Curacao presented his thoughts and views. In addition to providing some historical background, Bro Ignacio raised a number of key questions.

Public Sector unionism in the Americas - background notes on the CGTC Curacao

Involvement of Caribbean Unions in Regional Platform
Public Sector Unions and Sustainable Development
Trade Union renewal: the on-going thinking, discussion, strategies and actions
The current geopolitics in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Some key questions:

1. Is the renewal of the trade union movement in the Caribbean important or necessary? Why?
2. What should be the procedure to start a process of trade union renewal in public sector unionism?
3. Who has to take the initiative?
4. Which organisations could give support in this process?

What are your own thoughts? Or, perhaps you have some more questions?

We welcome your comments.

Trade Union Renewal and New Unionism

Here's an interesting, informative and thought-provoking web site called New Unionism.

"New unionism is about seeking creative ways to organize internationally to democratize work. Together, these four principles (organizing, internationalism, creativity and workplace democracy) unite us as a network of union activists"

You can also subscribe to the newsletter Work in Progress.

What do you think about the web site? Do you think it can help you as you think about trade union renewal?

 

Post-Workshop Activities

For all workshop participants

We have started to send out the Post-workshop activities. Please check your e-mail.

Please do not hesitate to contact PSI Caribbean if you have any questions, comments, concerns.