Supporting strikes, supporting unions

There’s been a lot of complaining lately about the tube strike in London, mostly by people who don’t understand what the strike was actually about or why it was necessary. Deriding TfL staff as greedy and lazy, whiners have complained about these people having it too good compared to other workers, while failing to realise this is entirely down to having an active union that can take action when necessary rather than the glorious work of munificent bosses. If other industries had proper unions they’d have better situations too: And that’s what we want — not TfL workers in a worse state to level it. As thoughtful people, we should want as many people in the best situation as possible, doing the best work they can because they are well-treated and appropriately compensated.
Here’s a letter from a transport worker, explaining exactly what the strike is about and why it’s necessary: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tube-strike-live-the-underground-drivers-letter-that-may-change-your-mind-on-todays-walk-out-10378637.html

Yesterday, Tory Business Secretary Sajid David launched the government’s ‘productivity boosting’ plan, talking about how he’s going to raise the GDP of the UK, but without really explaining how. He compared the UK to Germany without any reference to their strong unions or the fact that one of the key reasons for Germany’s high productivity is excellent integration of the unions within businesses.

In this article, Matt Wrack of the Fire Brigades Union outlines the government’s attitude towards, and plans concerning, the unions already present in the UK: http://www.fbu.org.uk/news/2015/07/blog-new-westminster-government-will-continue-attacks/

I’d like to say I’m in full support of the strikes and, indeed, almost certainly all strikes called by British workers for the foreseeable future. If you support the strikes (and as a thoughtful person, you should), then let the people around you know that, and let them know why!

In the ’70s, people would bring strikers tea and sandwiches to keep up their strength and morale; we’re going to need a lot of hot water and bread if we want to keep and improve conditions for workers over the next five years. I hope to see you on the picket-line — with a placard or a plate.

Originally published at www.theupsurd.com on July 14, 2015.