SERTUC Question Time: Do Unions Matter?

The invite actually said that the theme of this trade union "Question Time" was “In these modern progressive times where we are moving towards globalisation do unions still serve a purpose? What specific purpose do they serve?”

It was organised yesterday evening by the South eastern region of the TUC (SERTUC) and the format was very much based on the BBC “Question Time”. The panel compromised of (left to right) Glenroy Watson (RMT) Karen Jennings (UNISON Health); Chair Trevor Sterling (Thompsons Solicitors);); Rosemary Laryea (Presenter “Colourful Radio”); Linda Perks (London UNISON/SERTUC) and Sam Gurney (TUC). I was with our UNISON Regional Convener Gloria Hanson.

Questions were posted on the web and passed on to the panelists by the relaxed and good humoured Chair. Usual health warning that people were speaking faster than I can type accurately. This report is only a snapshot of the first question since if I was to editor the whole report on the entire evening I will probably never finish it.

The first 1st question was around “is Industrial Action effective?” Which I think is a key question to trade unionists. Karen Jennings said yes it is effective but for most trade unionists it’s the last card you play. Which you should only take it when you think you can win by it. You must have your “troops” lined up behind you in support and you must work out what management will do in response. You should aim to win strikes within 1-3 days. It is the threat of Industrial action that will bring most employers back to the negotiating table. Linda Perks said it was a weapon that reinforces negotiation and is very much a last resort. It is part of armoury to get a negotiated settlement. The law makes it almost impossible to take lawful industrial action. However, if the Tories get in it would be even worse. Employers are using the law more and more.

The response from the floor by UNISON NEC member Glen Kelly was not entirely unexpected. He pointed out that the recent Leeds Bin Strike had been successful but has lasted more than 3 days (11 weeks). Karen responded by saying yes that had been a great victory with a crystal clear outcome but generally if you bring out health care or social services out for this length of time in one go we would lose public sympathy.

Glen in another response about the European President contest made a very interesting remark (to me anyway) that Tony Blair was the “most hatred Man in Britain”. Now this may have been just daft hyperbole but I don’t think so. Some people may indeed hate Tony Blair while others may think he should be the most hated. I guess that many present that night would think would think that he was no friend of the trade union movement, but I would bet my bottom dollar that no rational person actually believes that Blair is the most hated person in the land. We were of course talking that night about the BNP leader Griffin. So we have an insight into those who live in a very different world from ours and see things through a different prism from those who live on planet Earth.

I may post further on the rest of this evening since it was a really good night but I have too much stuff to post at them moment and I don’t think that people bother reading long posts. So my new regime is little and often.