uncharted.ca

THE FUTURE OF UNIONS

At this writing, there is no end in sight for the decline of corporate-model unions. Economic and technological trends antithetical to this union model continue to accelerate. Unions are becoming more and more insignificant in the media and in society as a whole. Yet they are desperately needed.

A real revolution in the structure and outlook of the AFL-CIO must take place, or it will surely arise independently of it. The nature of this revolution will likely be different than any of us can imagine. However, it may well include some common elements, including:

* A collegial model where decisions are made at the lowest effective level, that is, at the department, plant, office level where the problem originates and where the real power of the union - collective action - can be most impressive.
* An outreach to people in struggle outside the union to form broad alliances to fight common enemies. This would involve new ways of thinking about problems. For instance, it would be easier for building trades workers to oppose unneeded corporate projects that are harmful to the environment if there is a broad alliance fighting for and winning new affordable housing construction.
* A leveling of salaries and differential prestige within unions. If individuals are attracted to working for unions because of the salary, then labor is on the wrong track. Working for a union must be seen as a cause and an honor for which individuals are not penalized financially (compared with continuing to work on the job). Ultimately, there is no good reason, except for seniority, why John Sweeney should make more money than a competent union office worker. That is, if both are doing it for the “cause.”
* A reduction in the size and complexity of labor union employment as the movement elevates elected job stewards to the top position in the “hierarchy.”
* A through-going democratic process from top to bottom, including direct election of all officials. This should be combined with strict term-limits to avoid continuation of an entrenched leadership.
* A quota-based affirmative action program that will make union leaders look like the membership.
* Move the union out of the office buildings and into the streets with store-front service centers.
* An inverted pyramid where “higher” levels of the union are tools of local unions to accomplish goals they can’t do alone, such as, industry-wide bargaining. Trusteeships, which are often used for political purposes rather than to root out corruption, must become a thing of the past.

Glocalism may well apply to unions as well. Intensive development of the locally-based union, instead of extensive development of merged unions, may point the way to the future. It is at the local level where democracy is found in its purist expression. It is also here that the opportunity for developing links with the community are the greatest. This is not an argument for company unions, but rather for democratic associations of local unions united for a common purpose.