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Employer worries about strike violence

Labour Q&A with Terry Bell

Fin24 user Ian Smart, an employer, says he recognises the right to strike for a reasonable wage, but warns the militancy will lead to loss of life if no common ground is found.

He writes: "As an employer I have no problem with reasonable wage demands but when strikers become militant and threaten lives and destroy property, I tend to become exceptional angry and stubborn.

• Why can we not have recourse from the unions for damage to property and machinery?
• Why do the police ignore our cries for help when they threaten to break down the gates and enter the property?
• Do we as employers have the right to defend ourselves when attacked?

There will be, at some stage, loss of life if we do not find common ground.

Terry Bell responds:

Ian, there is no justification for vandalism or the threatening of lives.    Because when you have reasonable and honest communication between employers and employees, such situations need never arise.

Where mutual respect applies, there seems little possibility of degenerate behaviour. But, of course, these are trying times, and there are always irresponsible and irrational elements who will attempt to rock any boat in sight.

And yes, unless something is done to remedy the present, grossly inequitable social environment, we shall face serious problems.

*Have a question for Terry? Drop us a line.
 
- Fin24

* Terry Bell is an independent political, economic and labour analyst. Views expressed are his own. Follow him on twitter @telbelsa.

Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on Fin24 have been independently written by members of the Fin24 community. The views of users published on Fin24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent those of Fin24.

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