Workers across the archipelago called The Bahamas commemorated Randol Fawkes Labor Day on June 5, 2015. A number of Bahamians marched with trade unions to which they belong and others provided their support by cheering on participants in the parade.
Another category of persons simply took the opportunity to get some much-needed rest or spend time with their families.
The Junkanoo rush-out, which has become one of the highlights of the Labor Day holiday did not disappoint as we wrapped up the parade by celebrating our culture as a people. This is consistent with the reality that even though we are workers, we are first and foremost Bahamians that love this land.
This year's parade comes at a time when the trade unions in our country are challenged, not necessarily by tensions with the government but by the realities of the new paradigm created by the economic environment within The Bahamas. This piece reflects on the status and strength of the trade union in a 21st century Bahamas.
Solidarity forever
"Solidarity Forever", written by Ralph Chaplin in 1915, is regarded by many as the most famous union anthem in the world. It is not unusual to hear union leaders and members sing this legendary song during demonstrations or parades as they fight for the rights of workers. Chaplin began to compose this song while he was covering the Kanawa coal miners' strike in Huntington, West Virginia in 1914. In an article titled 'Why I wrote Solidarity Forever', Chaplin expressed his displeasure at the widespread popularity of the song among politicians and within the labor movement. However, this has not reduced its popularity among members of the movement over the years.
The concerns raised by Chaplin were not unconnected to what was deemed to be a deviation from the true essence of the lyrics of this piece. The erosion of the unity and oneness of diverse individuals in pursuit of a common purpose that centered on the struggle for better working conditions for workers goes against the spirit of solidarity upon which the labor movement was founded. It is no wonder that the chorus reads: "Solidarity forever, solidarity forever, solidarity forever, for the union makes us strong".
The journey of labor
The journey to the 2015 Randol Fawkes Labor Day was one filled with challenges, tears, scars and triumphs which today's workers must not fail to reflect upon. There is no doubt that the trade union movement has played and continues to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for Bahamian workers. The history books ably document this notion, from the Burma Road riots to the general strike and the election of the late Sir Randol Fawkes in the 1967 general elections, which led to the first coalition government comprising of labor, independent and the PLP.
The true leaders and fighters of this movement all share a common passion for the wellbeing of all workers and hold deep-rooted convictions that are not influenced by politics or self-interest. These unique qualities distinguished the leaders of the labor movement of yesteryear from their contemporaries and secured their place in the history books of our Commonwealth. Their followers could feel the genuine dedication to the cause of the average worker and rewarded them with their loyalty and support. Current leaders in this never-ending movement can draw inspiration and motivation from their predecessors upon whose shoulders they stand.
The demands of today
In a global economy struggling with low growth and fiscal constraints, the labor movement is confronted with tough decisions and difficult choices. On the one hand, the movement must not put on hold its work to ensure that workers have a decent wage and enjoy a respectable standard of living. On the other hand, labor leaders cannot ignore the reality that the unemployment rate is high and companies are confronted with rising costs of doing business while seeking to maximize profits.
In confronting these unique challenges, labor leaders must not only become creative and innovative in their approach, but must also use their mediation skills now more than ever before. There has never been, in recent times, a moment where we needed great labor leaders
more than we do today. It would be an understatement to suggest that the leadership of the various trade unions in The Bahamas has been exceptionally vocal over the last year or two. On specific matters affecting workers, the trade union leaders have sought to ensure that the respective agreements of their member unions were addressed and finalized by the government.
The initiatives of the government
It was recently announced that the Ministry of Labor and National Insurance has petitioned for an increase in the national minimum wage, submitting a proposal for government approval. This is definitely a step in the right direction, as Bahamians have seen a reduction in their disposable and discretionary income over the past few years. The introduction of value-added tax (VAT) has resulted in our purchasing power taking a hit and as the cost of living goes up, we must be sensitive enough to make the necessary adjustments.
The public was also advised that the National Tripartite Council has been formally appointed with effect from June 1, 2015. This follows the bringing into law of the Tripartite Council Bill 2014 on April 19, 2015 by Shane Gibson, Minister of Labor and National Insurance after it having been signed by the governor general of The Bahamas on March 2, 2015.
The future of the union
The last stanza of the Solidarity Forever song reads:
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold,
Greater than the might of armies, multiplied a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong.
This writer contends that the great power in the hands of the movement is only as strong as the cord that binds its members together in unity. The strength of the unions is weakened by self-interest and selfish ambitions that take precedence over the needs of Bahamian workers and the Bahamian society as a whole.
Ralph Chaplin said it best when he surmised in his article "Why I wrote Solidarity Forever" that: "I contend also that when the labor movement ceases to be a cause and becomes a business, the end product can hardly be called progress."
The achievement of progress by the labor movement in years to come will be determined by what causes we stand for and to whom we owe our allegiance. This is indeed the type of union that makes us strong; a union of brotherhood and sisterhood towards a common loftier goal bigger than ourselves.
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.
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