On social contracts
published: Thursday | February 19, 2004
THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS good that notwithstanding the risk to their standing in some quarters, labour unions have taken leadership in the effort to bring about economic improvement. Given historical difficulties in previous "Social Contracts", this is a pragmatic approach. Critics should read about the evolution of the Irish Social Partnership Agreements (though not without its own problems) for context.
Private sector price restraint will be critical to social stability. Civil society leadership (including churches), should also explore how the Jubilee initiative could be re-energised by similar agreements in developing countries.
On another issue, if the tone of the Gleaner reports on the "stoning incident" is on target, the police are to be congratulated for their approach to mending fences with the West Kingston community. It will be critical that the Peace Centre (Dispute Resolution Foundation) and PALS find resources to support these efforts.
