It is not often that I agree with both parties, especially if one of the parties is the infamous Boris Johnston. However there is a first for everything and today it seems that it is time. I am siding both with the Unions and the Mad Major of London.
Unions are there to represent workers to ensure they get the best deal possible. However the strength of the union has steadily been degrading since the Tories of the past and with the new government I cant say that it is likely to improve.
We need unions, they work for our staff to ensure we can work sensible hours no more shall we have minors working 15 hour days, no more will death be an acceptable side effect of work. There certainly cannot be corporal punishment in work. Without the power of the union these could have been the reality of the working life.
Boris Johnston however has been arguing that industrial action should not be as easy as it is speaking as London sees a 3rd day of strikes on the underground network. He wants change in the law to make it harder for industrial action to take place. Suggesting that unless half the workforce votes for industrial action it should not be possible.
Quite rightly, Industrial action should be seen as an absolute last resort. However it seems that the weakening of the unions have made it such that it for many cases becomes the only option – management do not feel the threat of the power of the union – mostly because there is no power any more.
Action never serves anyone any good in the short term, workers loose money, the company loose money, and the consumers may be effected as well which will have a knock on on their supply and demand chain.
A new balance should be brought, bring back the unions to enforce our rights and give them powers to do their job. Balancing this with the expectations of the company that the strike becomes the last ditch effort instead of only course of action and everyone will benefit. Perhaps it might even see a raise in minimum wage.
References
The Telegraph
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