Dear Editor,
I read Samantha Ali’s letter captioned “The male labour leaders talked a lot but achieved little” (08.01.10) in response to mine (08.01.07) to TUC President, Ms. Gillian Burton and agree that the agency shop should be re-introduced, that there are corrupt trade union leaders and that the CLC subvention was wrongfully taken away by the government prior to Ms. Burton’s ascendancy.
Contrary to Ms. Ali’s belief I did not attack Ms. Burton. I congratulated the president, offered my hope that she builds on the positive works of her predecessors, highlighted a role of the trade unions, and drew attention to the situations in the country that would make any worker angry.
Ms. Burton in her SN interview (November 28, 2007) said she does not want to be tied to the gender stereotype.
She wants to be judged as President of the TUC and not constrained by any gender expectations and limitations and it should be respected.
Playing the gender game can further weaken and divide the trade union movement. Ms. Burton should not fall prey to this trap. The current division of the trade union was initiated and is being sustained by party politics and loyalty. Further fracturing of the trade union movement now along gender line would serve the interest of the government and other unscrupulous employers to the detriment of the workers, and the effectiveness of Ms. Burton’s presidency.
Ms. Ali said “when you need something said, ask a man, when you need something done, ask a woman,” In keeping with her conviction does she find the workers and country’s problems the result of having the largest employer (the government) headed by President Jagdeo, a man? Were it a woman, would things have been different?
Does Ms. Ali really believe that “the men have said enough and done nothing” and President Burton should “do what you have to do.
Give them hell?” This belief conflicts with the president who is seemingly not predisposed to confrontation (giving hell). Likewise there should be no expectation of any hell raising performances.
I concur with the call for hell raising actions since trade unions and unionists by their very nature confront/give hell to employers, corrupt trade unionists, and government when their actions conflict with the wellbeing and rights of workers.
Ms. Ali thinks I am “not man enough to offer any valuable solutions.” I disagree. Before any solutions can be offered the problems have to be identified.
The President first has to tell workers if she identifies with their problems and what are her plans to confront the situation and change the rising anger. Thereafter workers would be willing to offer and aid the solutions.
Yours faithfully,
Martin Roberts
