The National Shutdown - why do the privileged see the Unions as the enemy?

 

Some time ago, members of the public, political parties and now Union Federations in South Africa announced a stay away action or what we can call a National Shutdown.

The reason for these shutdowns is mostly due to the state of our economy – rampant fuel price increases, food price increases, electricity and other unaffordable increases but most importantly the youth unemployment.

Now we have heard numerous experts on Talk radio not in favor of any shutdown, question is: Are they going through the same challenges?

I believe one will only realize that there is crime / violent crime in this country once one is directly affected. Can we also say the same when it comes to supporting a cause?

Not so long we had a “so called National shutdown” but the attendance was poor, more so because the “so called middle class” will never participate in any action but also because of the taxi industry that ferries most of our employees, not taking part.

Whenever there is a call for an approved protest action or strike action – those taking part are always being criticized. Those secured in their comfort would blame Union bosses, and even pointing out their lifestyles, but they will never mention the lifestyles of decision makers, be it politicians or executives in the various sectors.

All protest action emanates from somewhere and it just do not start overnight, it starts as something small and is breeding for some time, before communities or workers are taking any action.

Why are we then seeing the Union bosses as the problem?

Was it not Martin Luther King Jr. who said: 'A riot is the language of the unheard?' So when are we going to hear our unheard? When are we going to listen to the most vulnerable? When are we going to listen to those not able to speak for themselves? Union federations might be in alliance with Government but if Government fail to even listen to their partner, what must we the poorest of the poor do?

I listened with disgust on TalkRadio how some of the learned claim that they will not partake in any strikes and that they will work for their families.

My question would also be to the ones not willing to attend the proposed shutdown:

Do you have reprieve on electricity payment?

Do you pay less for fuel and food?

Is your employment secured for your entire worklife?

Do you have unemployed family or friends?

Do you have pensioners in your family?

 

Who is not working for their families?

Remember there is no success without any sacrifice.

 

Fuel prices, electricity prices, unemployment and food prices affects us all, so are we not thinking of the most vulnerable before preaching on Talk Radio that we will not partake in the National Shutdown.

Are we even aware that those who is going to take part are not even listening to Talk Radio?

 

Remember no one is being forced to take part in any industrial action or work stoppage or even national shutdown, but those not willing to sacrifice must not ridicule those who is willing to take part in any action.

shouldn’t we see the Unions as a partner, instead of an enemy?

SO many questions ... SO little answers ...

Workplace Safety – Is it an unnecessary inconvenience or still relevant today?

 I have been interested in Workplace Safety for many many, to such an extent that I started to get Workplace Safety Training way back in 1998, when I attended my first Safety Representative Course and the rest is history.

I have attended numerous short courses covering workplace Health and Safety and also obtained formal Health and Safety Qualifications through University.

Workplace Safety Laws has improved over the years and employers are forced to comply with legislation. The shortfall we do have though, is not having Enforcement Inspectors to check whether those employers are still complying.

Workplaces at times preaches workplace safety but put production before Safety and in most cases without providing either the correct Workplace tools and or PPE.

Even though some believe that PPE is a last resort, it should be seen as point of departure.

PPE should be that reminder whilst one preparing themselves for their workday.

Employers must never even query a PPE budget, as the correct PPE could be the deciding factor between life and death.

In the absence of the required PPE, one should not continue to put oneself at risk.

The risk assessment per task should be to such an extent that all consequences and its severity is outlined.

Employees should always think of themselves as first responders responding to a shootout or as firefighters or paramedics proceeding to a life threatening emergency - always be mindful that you don the correct PPE, but also remember that YOUR OWN SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST.

 

My questions today:

Would you compromise on your own health and safety?

Would you allow your team members to take shortcuts and work unsafe?

Do you comply with Workplace Health and Safety rules, and do you know the consequences of non-compliance?

Do you see your Safety Officers as an unnecessary inconvenience?

 

SO many questions ... SO little answers ...

Do we judge the book by its cover?

 Sometimes as people, we tend to look down on others, be it because of their social standing or their appearance.

This happens naturally even before we have even listened to the person. Sometimes this is because of our preconceived ideas on how a perfect human being should be.

We always pray, "Create in me a Clean Heart Mighty God" but just after the prayer, we are again back to our old ways.

The judgemental

When are we going to learn to respect people not based on what they have but on the fact that we are all created equal.

When are we going to accept not everyone wants to be addressed on a title but on first name?

When are we going to engage with those that we tend to look down upon?

When will we realize that we are all dependent on one another?

When are we going to learn to listen without the urge to respond but to listen-to-listen?

When are we going to STOP being cold to others and learn to embrace one another.

 

So many things in this world at times can go wrong with people and our reaction and engagement can add more fuel to fire.

 

For today only, let us go out and let love lead.

Never look down on anyone, unless you are willing to help them up.

 

SO many questions ... SO little answers ...