EDITORIAL

Labour Unions Could Help All

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Last week’s declaration by Minister of Human Resources, the Hon Roy Bodden, that he would like to see labour unions in the Cayman Islands by 2009 probably came as a shock to many, local people, especially business owners.

There is no sustained history of unions in Cayman, and some probably see their formation here as an unwelcome development, given the somewhat negative historical stigma attached them by corporations. However, as it stands now, workers here have to rely on the Government to protect their rights, a situation that has inherent disadvantages, and is something that should be addressed in the future.

In the course of history, employers have often feared the idea of workers coming together, instead preferring individual workers being pitted against one another and resulting in a “master-servant” relationship. Thankfully for workers, the demand for united action triumphed and today trade unions are a major component of modern civilized and democratic societies.

Since their inception, trade unions have seen the improvement of working conditions as one of their top priorities. It is unions that should be recognised for the drop in work-related accidents in the industrialised world, for the improvement of work methods, and for the recognition of the human factor in industries over the last century.

In a recent interview with Cayman Net News, Minister Bodden said that one of his hopes from a unionised culture would be that unions would free up the government from being ‘judge and jury’ with regards to workplace issues.

Caught between the financial power of private sector and between the voting power of the public is certainly not a desirous position for any Government, especially when it has to act as arbitrator in labour disputes.
While it is practical for the Government to attempt to recuse itself from labour conflicts, it still needs to be heavily involved at the onset on any union formation, and to be responsible for educating all parties.

As the union movement develops, the Government needs to track its progress to ensure a level playing field for all and, when necessary, mediate.

Far from bringing an onslaught of striking and workplace disruptions, the arrival of unions in the Cayman Islands will boost the country enormously. Cayman’s economic and social development can be best achieved through a workforce that has its voice heard and a number of basic rights adhered to, for example a decent wage, and the right to live free from the perpetual threat of being dismissed at a moment’s notice.

One particular segment of the workforce that could benefit from the formation of unions is the expatriate work permit employees. Government agencies like the Department of Employment Relations are largely seen to primarily aid Caymanian workers, which is understandable considering the politics involved.

However, labour unions, which would receive dues from both Caymanian and work permit holders, would have a different agenda from the Government, and would operate to protect the rights of all workers regardless of nationality. Considering some of the past and present cases of exploitation of foreign workers, Minister Bodden’s goal of trade unions would go along way to help these employees.

Based on the common collective interests of all workers in the Cayman Islands, trade unions could offer both workers and employers an opportunity at workplace peace and productivity that trade unions bring throughout the world.

Let us hope, as Mr Bodden hopes, that employees will be encouraged to form trade unions with the back up and support of their employers and the government.

Back...