Peer Pressure Strikes
IT IS with interest that I followed the labour unrests in our country, which were probably motivated by those of South Africa.
Taking into particular consideration the striking teachers’ case, without disregard for the feelings of the teachers, I perceive the latest as hijacking of government and the learners.
I say so because, to me it became evident that, firstly, the teachers did not necessarily have a problem with the government per se, but rather with the trade union whom they felt was not hurrying along the negotiation process.
Secondly, there seems to be a disconnection and mistrust between the constituencies and their leadership, because the union was urging their members to remain calm as negotiations were apparently well at an advanced stage but obviously, the teachers did not trust their word.
Thirdly, there is a clear disrespect of the country’s laws in terms of the Labour Act, as no procedure was followed in terms of having a protected strike. One teacher on NBC news in Ongwediva SP said, “you cannot call something illegal if it is supported by majority”.
I was left astonished to hear that the people we trust to direct our children in the right direction, would easily throw their academic way of reasoning out of the window when under peer pressure.
However, I believe all is not lost, as we still have room for improvement and room to grow. We can start by improving our collective bargaining skills, because it’s one thing to just talk but it’s the other to know the technicalities and being realistic in wage negotiation processes.
Furthermore, we need to address labour-related illiteracy and workers perceptions, in order to curb unrealistic expectations, either from union leaderships or the workers.
In addition, the union fraternity needs to revamp its image by addressing poor leadership and alleged union corruption, as some of them bargain in bad faith for their own personal gains.
Last but not least, the government needs to be consistent in the application of the country’s labour laws and practices, because it creates its own headaches when it allows a precedence of bailouts even where it is not necessary.
In conclusion, I believe that, mutual respect and honest communication between all parties concerned will avert strikes in our country.
Happy Amadhila
Windhoek