Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter by Martin Roberts captioned “What are the new TUC President’s plans to deal with the many problems confronting the workers” (08.01.07) and “Auger pervades the society, Ms Burton” (KN 08.01.07).
I knew that it was only time before some male attacked Ms Burton because of her views and not be man enough to offer any valuable solutions. Isn’t it ironic that after years of failure by the male Presidents of the GTUC to unite the movement and all this talk about woman time, there seems to be great reluctance to allow Ms. Burton an opportunity to try a different approach. Could there be a fear that she might succeed?
Ms. Burton should be applauded for being honest and bold enough to highlight the problems she is facing within the TUC and the deplorable state in which the movement finds itself.
She has inherited a fractured movement, the withdrawal of the subvention from the Critchlow Labour College, at least two unions under the umbrella of the TUC with massive internal problems, VAT and a TUC that is incapable of curtailing the activities of the government in the area of labour, or to bring the country to a standstill through the use of protests.
She has recognised this and has opted for a more pragmatic approach, opting to try to rebuild rather than to issue threats that can never materialize under these present conditions as some of the male trade union leaders have done.
I am supportative of the reintroduction of the Agency Shop arrangement and for this to be legislated. But, there is no mechanism in place to protect the dues paid by workers from misuse by corrupt trade union leaders. Until the monies of workers can be protected and the movement is prepared to be accountable and leaders are prepared to walk the walk they talk, I will continue to support the Government’s action.
To Ms Burton, I leave this quote; “when you need something said, ask a man, when you need something done, ask a woman.” The men have said enough and done nothing, do what you have to do. Give them hell.
Yours faithfully,
Samantha Ali
