Lost Fire
When we look through the
pages of Bahamian history, it’s hard to ignore the contributions of the trade
union movement. From the Burma Road
Riots, to Majority Rule, Independence, National Insurance etc. unions made a contribution
to the development of this nation. The
unions were not simply seeking to secure things such as better working
conditions, they had an even more noble cause, the crafting of a better
Bahamas. Many ordinary Bahamians stood
in solidarity with men like Randolph Fawkes and Clifford Darling, and put their
shoulders to the wheel and pushed this nation forward so that this generation
would have a brighter day. The leaders had
the support, trust and confidence of the membership, and members of the wider
community. Their commitment toward
national development transcended the trade union movement and made its leaders,
national heroes.
Today’s trade union
leaders no longer enjoy that level of support and strength, many say the fire
has gone out and unions are now struggling to remain relevant. In some segments once legendary trade unions
are fighting for their very existence.
Those that are seemingly healthy are embroiled in court battles and
internal disputes, they are shadows of their former selves, seemingly unable to
mount a creditable defence without the support of government. Yet while we celebrate our once glorious
history, we must also look to ourselves to see where we went wrong. This problem requires introspection and
honesty and the leadership must be willing to humble itself and look
within. Yet the level of humility that
is necessary, is absent with many dismissing the crisis that stands before us
but, many are overwhelmed and too prideful to ask for help. Others are also too small and lack the
necessary resources to maintain the organisation so the membership suffers. If unions are to survive in the Bahamas, they
must retool and reinvent themselves.
Members must become more involved as the unions are not the sole
responsibility of the leadership, everyone must use their skills and talents to
advance the organization. Those that lead must allow others to be involved,
listen to all members, and make everyone feel included, because people could
easily become frustrated and leave.
There must also be transparency, adherence to proper procedures and a
willingness to serve, if we do not, unions in The Bahamas will continue to
decline until, they are no more.