The efforts of Wisconsin Governor Walker to vilify public unions as the root of the state’s economic problems are a classic example of looking for simple solutions to complex and systemic problems. In this case, I believe both sides are wrong.
Yes, I am pro-union. But I’m a realist as well. Systemic problems call for systemic change. And a trade-union activist named Mark Breslin gets it. Mark and I share a common bond in that we both grew up in a family of tradesmen. My Dad was an IBEW electrician as is my son and several of my extended family.
Mark Breslin’s message of building a culture of performance and accountability reflects reality; an acceptance that the world around us is in the process of major change. Unions need to realize that the marketplace is no longer within our borders and that we are now competing in a global market. Unions began as organizations that combated and stopped the exploitation of labor. Many believe they’ve become protectionist and they are not adequately policing their own ranks. Many believe that unions aren’t contributing to society and that busting the unions is the only way to bring things back into perspective.
I believe unions should be and can remain part of our economic system. But unions need to fundamentally change and adapt themselves to these difficult economic times:
- Police you own ranks. Unless you can back it up, don’t emphasize that that a union card automatically means proficiency on the job. Trade unions are beginning to understand this and are adapting their apprenticeship programs accordingly.
- This mentality needs to become the emphasis of public unions as well. Right now, that isn’t happening!
- In this market, trade unions need to stress the fact that on union jobs, the customer gets a safe, drug free environment with trained, dedicated personnel who work hard at doing the job in a tradesman-like manner. Then, they need to back that up!
- The mentality of worker proficiency and efficiency must become the mantra of public unions as well. Public unions have a tendency to protect sub-standard workers. That is a fact which I have seen demonstrated.
- Public unions must base their demands on the reality of the government marketplace. They must also align themselves closer to workers in private industry.
Moreover, unions need to realize that in this marketplace, they must have something solid and definable to offer the customer. If the unions fail to face the reality of this new, emerging and volatile marketplace, many more unions will go the way of the Air Traffic Controllers.
