Dave Putson reviews this recent Left Horizons booklet by Steve McKenzie which is based on his long experience in the trades union movement.
“Rebuilding Our Trades Unions”, by Steve McKenzie, published by Left Horizons, spells out how the current state of many unions reflects a disconnect between the interests of the leadership and officials and the grassroots membership. This disconnect often results in policies that do not adequately address the pressing needs of the workers they represent.
In these days of increasingly insecure and low-paid work, it is imperative that our trades unions undergo a democratising campaign to remain relevant and effective in advocating for workers’ rights. This will empower members, encouraging greater participation in decision-making processes. By reforming structures so as to enable open dialogue and democratic votes on key issues, unions can cultivate a sense of ownership among its members.
This approach not only boosts morale but also aligns union activities more closely with the needs and aspirations of the workforce. In an age where corporate interests can often overshadow workers’ rights, even inside union structures, this booklet calls for a revival of the democratic ethos that is essential for unions to reclaim their purpose and fight against the bosses for job security and decent working conditions and against low pay, wage inequality, victimisation and bullying.
Rebuild unions from the ground up
It also stresses the vital need to rebuild unions from the ground up – electing shop stewards in every workplace, forming shop stewards committees and breathing new life into local branches. This will restore the credibility in the eyes of younger workers, in particular, who are often disillusioned or excluded by traditional labour movement practices. These workers can in turn bring in fresh ideas and energy.
This Left Horizons booklet, reflecting Steve McKenzie’s long and varied experience in the movement, calls for an end to the consensus, corporate views of many trade union officials and the rebuilding, by patient hard work, of genuinely member-led, fighting unions who can take on the bosses.
