Review: Trade unionism's dark soul
Portraits
of a Partnership
by Des Derwin, Mary Muldowney and Eddie Conlon
£2.00 (inc. postage) from
The Montague Press, 10 Comyn Place, Dublin 9.
PEOPLE WITH A radical perspective on trade unionism have always
argued that the trade union movement has two souls. The first derives
from the activities of members to improve their lot and control their
unions. It is focused on struggles and campaigns not only against
employers but also against union leaders.
The second is the dark soul consisting of the activities of
leaders whose only concern is to maintain industrial peace and
harmony, often at the expense of 'their' members. Since 1987 workers
in the 26 counties have been tied to 'social partnership' deals;
which are agreements between employers, government and the unions.
This is a readable pamphlet, written by three shop stewards, which
makes a case that the national plans of the last decade have
reflected that dark soul. Through use of reasoned arguments, backed
up with facts & figures, the authors demonstrate that little has
been won for workers at a time of soaring profits and economic
growth. Instead we have been locked into a strategy of collaboration
with our bosses; and have watched our unions become advocates of wage
restraint and 'industrial peace'.
This pamphlet is a rejection of the ICTU leaders' ideas, and a
call for democracy in our unions. With the growth of discontent, as
graphically seen in 42% vote won by Carolann Duggan in the SIPTU
Presidential election, 'Portraits of a Partnership' is an excellent
contribution to the debate about what sort of trade unionism we need.
