The blogosphere is pulsating with commentary about the Australian Health Services Union and whether Federal MP Craig Thomson has or hasn't done anything wrong. Allegations of misspending on unsavoury 'private' services with union credit cards are distasteful and fairly or unfairly, "mud sticks". However the majority of the manufacturing workers I spoken with today saved their vitriol for giant business.

They spoke from the growing divide between those who have billions, (these were particularly dismissive of mining and forestry magnates) and those who fit in with poor people working class or worse, tragically and unacceptably, reside in abject poverty. Unions have performed an important role throughout our labour history. They've needed to fight for which should never have experienced to become fought for. However they don't have a moratorium on ethical practice. They do not always keep the so and so's honest. Sometimes it's the delegates and officials who require keeping honest.

fagforening priser

I've worked across several sectors for 25 years. I have seen the whole gamut such as the employer attempting to create flexibility within the workforce to stay afloat, nimble or competitive simply to be sabotaged by union representatives serving their very own self-interest. I've seen hate campaigns (i.e. vicious bullying) mounted against managers running legitimate change agendas even where this might put long term worker employment in jeopardy (as often those divisions were eventually sold off or closed down). This really is holding a line that does not take into account the big picture.

I've seen incompetent and/or unscrupulous managers who commoditise their people and set them under impossible strain. I've also seen delegates around the factory floor threaten and marginalise people happy to do a reasonable day's work with a reasonable day's pay. I realize completely the resentment of workers who see executives getting rich off what is perceived to be worker exploitation. However while too many Australians may be doing it tough and become understandably envious, it's not a criminal offense to become wealthy. Union members have entitlement to be well represented by people sincere about hearing them and advocating on their behalf; to not pursue their very own agenda and never to defend the indefensible. Corruption isn't only at big business. For people to carry on to determine the relevance and function of the unions, members need to fight for morality within their own union community or we will have membership decline further. Employers and unions must ethically discharge their duties and become seen to be.