to: [email protected]"The three most important things that a poor man needs to do is to own a gun, join a labor union, and vote."
July 1, 1994
We recognize that there is a fundamental difference between management and labor. Being
part of labor means that, at least for right now, you are destined to make your way
through life with a little less than you’d hoped for. Not quite enough education, not
quite enough capital, and not quite enough influence to make things go your way. You are a
member of the working class instead a member of the leisure class. An employee instead of
an employer. A worker instead of a supervisor. You have heard it said, "It’s a
dirty job but somebody has got to do it!". Well, that somebody is you. You are the
person actually doing the work, and while you care about getting the work done, what you
care most about is your well being. Management on the other hand, is not doing the actual
work. They are supervising and making sure that the work gets done. Making sure that you
do the work. And while they may care about you, what they care most about is seeing that
you get the work done. That is the fundamental difference between management and labor.
Sometimes what’s best for you may not be what is best to ensure that the work gets
done. Sometimes management may act as if they couldn't care less, as we all do at times,
about whether you’re getting a fair shake or not. As long as the work gets done.
After all, it’s your fault that you’re a worker isn’t it? You could have
gotten a better education when you were younger, or saved your money and opened your own
business. Isn’t that right? Then you could be the supervisor. But you’re not.
You have to ensure that you will be treated fairly and with respect, because you are the
one who does the work. Here is how to do it. First of all, take pride in your work. Do the
work you are supposed to do in return for what you are paid. Next, decide that , as far as
you are able, you will not allow yourself or other workers to be treated unfairly or
disrespected. Be bold enough to take advantage of the communication lines between labor
and management. Don’t be quiet. File a grievance if you have to . Don’t leave it
for the other fellow to do it. Finally, make a conscious effort to act jointly with your
fellow workers to make sure that your place of work is a good place to work, where the
needs of everyone are taken into consideration, as we all give our best effort to get the
job done. There is a price to be paid for all this . It may mean having a conflict or
misunderstanding with management. It may even mean finding another job. But if every
worker will decide that their first loyalty will be to their fellow employees, we can have
a work place that we can look forward to coming to every morning. When that happens you
can be sure that all the work will get done and management will be happy too. Are you a
member of the union? The real union? The one where the dues are paid in reputation, and
backbone, and caring? Isn’t it time you joined? Isn’t it time you made it clear
to your coworker that they need to join too? Then you’ll see what a union can really
do.
Comments? to: [email protected]
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