Pack mentality and bullying around strike action has to end

Striking for the rights of workers still has a place in modern-day workplaces, but blindly following unions into action has to stop.

I support the worker’s right to strike, but only for the right reasons.

Last week’s planned lockout of 590 Svitzer tugboat workers at 17 ports got me thinking about those reasons. Being the largest operator in Australia, with 100 vessels and 50,000 tug movements a year, the lockout threatened container movements with flow-on effects for Christmas deliveries and greater supply issues.

It was cancelled after Fair Work stepped in with the industrial umpire ruling the strike would cause significant economic damage. Svitzer and the unions have been working to finalise a new pay deal for workers for the past three years to no avail.

Svitzer Australia tugboats at Bowen Towage Services’ tug wharf.

There is a place for strikes in today’s society, particularly to protest against dangerous or unfair working conditions or issues such as being paid appropriately for the work being done.

The whole point of a strike is to look after the welfare of the employee.

These days, however, workers need to make sure they understand what the strike is really about and not just blindly follow their union’s decisions. Each employee should ask: what are we fighting for and do I agree with it? Is this about my rights or is the union striking for political gain or power?

RIGHT TO REFUSE

Strikes are about workers’ individual rights and personal circumstances and therefore it is up to them if they take part.

It can’t be all or nothing, but that’s where society is. It’s like you have to pick a side all the time and you have to join the strike.

Strikes are about workers’ individual rights and therefore is up to them if they take part.

I am pro-union but I am not pro-union control. Branding employees scabs if they choose to avoid a strike and continue to work is bullying. We need to change this pack mentality.

If you don’t want to strike then don’t, if you don’t like the culture of the workplace then leave. Upskilling is important to ensure you are employable in other areas when you are looking for your next opportunity.

Do you have a work query for Amanda? Email [e-mail]

* Amanda Rose is the founder of Small Business Women Australia, a key mentor and career adviser.

Originally published as Pack mentality and bullying around strike action has to end