Mr Trotter is correct in this post. A strong trade union movement is good for our democracy, for our economic performance, and for a fairness in the distribution of the rewards to effort. In each case, the neo-Liberal right (which is pretty much hegemonic these days) detests the role of unions precisely because it achieves these ends. They prefer a weakened democracy, inequality that favours them, and an economy that works to their narrow needs. I have argued similarly before in this blog, and wish that the call was taken up more widely. It needs to be accompanied by a democratic strengthening of other aspects of our society, but strong, capable unions are a very good starting point.
I await with interest the position taken by Mr Shearer's team on the CTU and LP position on employment relations reform. It will be an important litmus test.
IDLE THOUGHTS OF AN IDLE FELLOW: The Ruminations of Robert Winter
I had a bunch of Thai girls round at my place the other day:
ReplyDeleteOne girl who had been sponsored by her Thai employer [ Thai restaurant] is working a ten hour day 11am till 9pm, lunch one hour [often interrupted with work] for six days. Pay $NZ550.
I forgot to ask, but I am sure $550 is the net, that is after tax. The hours were verified by her friends.
Thats $550 for 60 hours work.
One man here outraged said he would ring Labour department but I dissuaded him.
This woman at home in Thailand may work for 400 baht per day, and thats $NZ16 to you and me.
If we called labour department she loses her job. No union. No insurance. No back up.
Tell me what to do about that idle fellow
You support such behaviour in NZ? Why not contact the appropriate union and put her in touch with it? Why not contact a lawyer - eg in a community law centre - and see what sort of case can be built? If you condone this case, you condone the race to the bottom here and elsewhere.
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