Share

United labour front could bring real change

Cape Town - The labour movement, together with organised communities have it within their power to bring about needed alternative economic policies.

However, according to Terry Bell in his latest Labour Wrap, the trade unions, now in some disarray, have not put forward any comprehensive economic policy alternative since 1996.  

Instead, they bewail “neo-liberalism” and call on the private sector to be “socially responsible”. But, says Bell, this call is akin to asking company directors to break the law because it is the fiduciary responsibility of directors to maximise profits for shareholders, not to benefit communities.

Add your voice to the big labour debate.

This was a principle upheld in a 1919 court ruling in the United States when the Dodge brothers took Henry Ford to court when he wanted to reduce the price of his cars. However, Bell points out that in a parliamentary democracy, unions in particular can exert pressure on government to organise and regulate the economic environment more to the advantage of workers, communities and the country at large.

What might now be necessary is for unions to overcome their present difficulties and unite again to do what they did in 1996: provide an alternative approach to the economy.

Alternative policies are clearly needed. If Cosatu can overcome its present problems, the labour movement could again unite and put forward the reformist redistribution leading to growth policies it advanced in 1996. Within the confines of the national economy this could lead to more jobs and a reduction in the wage and welfare gap.

But this would require planning and regulation at governmental level, anathema to the free marketeers. However, it can be done and with the ANC and government also riddled with ideological fissures, a united labour movement, supported by communities, could signal real change, says Bell.

Watch:


- Fin24

Do you have a question for Terry? Send it to us and be part our Q&A with Terry Bell.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.92
+0.1%
Rand - Pound
24.02
+0.4%
Rand - Euro
20.53
+0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.33
+0.7%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+1.1%
Platinum
897.05
-0.6%
Palladium
997.25
-0.9%
Gold
2,154.19
-0.3%
Silver
24.89
-0.6%
Brent Crude
86.89
+1.8%
Top 40
65,784
-0.7%
All Share
72,007
-0.6%
Resource 10
52,906
-0.8%
Industrial 25
99,553
-0.9%
Financial 15
16,591
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders