Herbert Lewis, Guest ColumnistTHERE ARE a variety of forces which have an impact on the labour relations environment in which we work today. We are now operating and living in what is regarded as a global village and should be mindful of the constant changes which take place on a daily basis.
All of us and in particular those in positions of leadership have a responsibility not only to note the changes, but to monitor the developments in order to respond to evolving trends so that those whom they are leading understand that every day things are changing and become more complex than the day before.
GLOBALISATION
Globalisation has been defined as "the increasing integration of the world's peoples and nations, brought about by expanded international flows of trade, investment, labour, capital, knowledge, and information" Improvements in technology, for example, satellite communication, and technologically-superior equipment, have advanced globalisation of industries and integration of markets. We must therefore not forget that Jamaican businesses now compete in a global marketplace where goods cost less to produce in other parts of the world, significantly impacting the Jamaican workforce.
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY
Globalisation has been accompanied in many cases by rapid improvements which offer businesses opportunity to reduce production cost. Manufacturing and other jobs lost, are not likely to return because of more efficient machines and processes. Production jobs in many places have been transferred to lower cost areas, where labour is cheaper. This factor has implications for traditional modes of business and impacts the workplace. This means that in order to remain competitive in the world markets, businesses will have to develop innovative technological approaches to keep pace with the rapid changes in the global economy. The accelerated pace of change is causing workplace uncertainties and job loss, which are having profound implications for contract negotiations and cooperative relationships.
Against this background the recent strike called by the National Workers Union at Alpart again raises a number of questions about how industrial relations matters are handled by trade unions, employers, and indeed by the Ministry of Labour. The strike at Alpart, and the fact that the bauxite industry is likely to be faced with other problems from the trade union movement raises concerns for the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by the industry, the unions, and the Government in 1998. Having regard to the economic importance of the bauxite industry to Jamaica, the parties to the MoU expressed in very clear language that they wished to pursue the objective of developing the industry (bauxite/alumina) by enhancing it's international competitiveness in order that the industry may grow to the benefit of all the parties workers. Industry and Government. Was this strike aimed at enhancing competitiveness?
With the signing of the MoU there must have been clear understanding as to a code of conduct for dealing with wage negotiations and other industrial relations problems .If such a code formed a part of the MoU.; and one is of the opinion that there is such a code, why were they disregarded?
For much too long there has been total disregard for the observance of law and order in this country. Rules and regulations established with the cooperation and agreement of parties have been treated with scant respect, and what is very sad is those who have responsibility to ensure observance of these laws and regulations appear not to care or to even speak out about the indiscipline ."No big thing:" or "every thing cool, is so we stay" one often hears them say.
ACTS OF INDISCIPLINE AND LAWLESSNESS
Well, so far as well-thinking people of this country are concerned, these acts of indiscipline and lawlessness are big things and the callous disrespect being shown are indeed not cool at all. I believe that industrial relations in Jamaica today are like the weather. Everybody sees the clouds gathering but only a few bother to safeguard against the impending thunderstorms. The Jamaican economy is not in a healthy state. Education leaves much to be desired. Unemployment is of great concern We hear of investment inflow but these investments are not creating the kind of new jobs to make the difference needed. We therefore need to husband in a real way those existing businesses which are making a meaningful contribution to our economy and strikes are not the way to go about that.
When we fail to take advantage of systems which are in place to help resolve industrial relations problems we are sending serious messages to people who might have been thinking about investing in Jamaica. Indeed when the Industrial Disputes Tribunal which is legally constituted makes an order for industrial action to cease and unions and workers disregard that order what are we saying to people from a more disciplined society?
WHAT IS THE MESSAGE BEING SENT?
Again, when the Ministry with responsibility for labour matters and under which the IDT falls, the same IDT whose orders are being flouted, facilitates negotiation with the disputing parties while a strike is in progress, what is the message being sent? Why have we not heard a single word out of the Ministry of Labour condemning the flouting of the law? May I suggest that if the law is not going to be obeyed and nothing is going to done when it is disobeyed then remove it from the books.
Government, unions and employers need to see industrial relations as the focal point of a series of concentric circles consisting of social, economic, political, cultural and historical forces which exert influence on what happens in an organisation, institution or country. Approach to industrial relations therefore, has to be interdisciplinary with a great amount of sensitivity.
Let us keep in mind at all times that economic uncertainty will cause tension between the parties, complicates collective bargaining negotiation and strains the labour-management relationship even after agreement has been reached. Every effort must therefore be made by all parties to avoid strikes while continuing to monitor economic trends and work together to improve relationships as they navigate through difficult economic times.
The three-legged stool on which our economy sits right now is supported by bauxite/alumina, tourism, and remittances. If we lose one of these legs to Brazil or Australia, will the stool be able to stand? You be the judge.
Herbert Lewis is an industrial relations specialist and former president of the Jamaica Employers Federation. Email: herblewis@cwjamaica.com.
