Down with the old, turning a new leaf in trade unionism
Modern Trade Union Art By Janaka Wijayapathirathna Price: Rs. 400 Reviewed by Anil Pagoda Arachchi
The fast- changing global socio- economic, cultural and political landscape which has inevitably brought paradigm shifts in many spheres of human life, spawned by massive economic reforms of various forms, has impacted the concept of trade unionism. The classic definition of the role of trade unions was given by Webb and Webb (1894): ‘a continuous association of wage- earners to maintain and improve the conditions of their working lives.’ But, does that have meaning for us to understand the intricate nature of man-work relationships in modern- day society?
It is heartening to see that a young trade union leader, the President of the, Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya Janaka Wijayapathirathna in his book ‘ Modern Trade Union Art’ presents a new perspective of who a modern- day trade unionist is and the essential functions of a trade union on the one hand while tearing the anachronistic concepts of unionism into shreds on the other.
He begins from the origin of trade unionism, how it has been established in the Constitution and other relevant acts of the country to the practical arenas of how it must be used today not only for developing the living standards of the masses but also for nationbuilding.
The writer emphasises that trade union leaders, especially those representing the workers in the most vulnerable economic sectors providing public service, have to be conscious of their social and national responsibility. He says they must get rid of orthodox, traditional unionising to develop positive attitudes towards their members and the nation. The primary responsibility of the trade unionist today is to comprehend the social commitment of identifying and dealing with the authentic problems of their members devoid of the so- called theoretical class division and political affiliations.
While providing a comprehensive account of the collective bargaining process of trade unions, he focuses on getting the members’ approval for the claims they make. Admittedly, some present- day campaigns are merely due to the pressure imposed by some political parties for their political gain or haphazard decisions taken by a few officebearers of the union. Strikes must be the last resort when all other alternative attempts fail and must not place a burden on the general public, he emphasizes.
Depoliticisation is a big challenge before the genuine trade union leaders. His strong view is that they must not be involved in party politics.
A striking point he brings out is the metamorphosis created by the digitalization of society in human behaviour. Since society represented by the sickle-hammer emblem is indistinct today, drastic measures are required to attract the young generation.
The writer clarifies the critical need for trade unions’ active involvement in national policy planning and implementation to establish a stable country.
The book’s title’ The Modern Trade Union Art’ embodies his belief that trade unionism is an art embedded with a scientific approach.