BLACKMAILED!

When one thinks and reflects on the recent happenings in the trade union field, we have to admit that we are being blackmailed and held to ransome by the trade union leadership.

No sensible decision can be made without paying pooja to their lordships who lord it over their minions. The lower rung are fearful of the consequences of speaking out and prefer to be part of the silent majority.

What could be done to have some sane behaviour in this situation.?

1.When a dispute arises at a workplace and at least 80% of the employees vote for it, it should be brought to the management’s attention and if the management is unable to resolve it, the relevant trade union and the management should report it to the line Minister within 7 days of the last discussion date setting out the position of both parties, highlighting the disputed issue.

2. The relevant line minister should then use his good offices to try and bring about a settlement within 2 weeks of it being brought to his attention.

3. If the line minister is not able to settle the issue, then within 7 days he should refer it to the minister of labour.

4. The minister of labour within 7 days of reference of the issue to him should summon all parties including the line minister and try to resolve it.

5. If the labour minister is also unable to resolve it, he should by gazette notification appoint an arbitration panel consisting of a retired judge, a retired administrative officer and a technical officer in the field of dispute who is an independent professional within 14 days.

6. The arbitration boards decision will be held to be final and all parties bound by this decision. The board’s decision should be issued within 30 days of being referred to it.

7. Anyone violating the procedure should be penalised by being fined Rs. 500,000/= and jailed with hard labour for a minimum 6 months, and if the fine is not paid, a further 6 months may be added.

Can we have some consideration and sympathy to the general public and those who are struggling without the pleasure of a monthly salary and the retired pensioners and others who have to bear the brunt of this unfair labour might!!

NIMAL RANASINGHE KOHUWALA