
	Thursday September 9, 2010

Do Unions Have a Role in Global Social Justice?

As labour activists we are often asked by our members to describe for them our bargaining demands at contract time. When we answer with the usual list of demands, such as “a raise” or “improved leave provisions,” our members are comforted that they will experience some improvements to their working conditions. However, when we mention the “Social Justice Fund” as a bargaining demand, the Union of Taxation Employees (UTE) members question why the union needs to negotiate the creation of such a fund.

homelessness graphic No doubt we’ve all heard talk of the “Social Justice Fund” from the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). However, few members have a complete understanding of what this bargaining demand really means. In fact, many members quietly wish it would be dropped in favour of more “meat and potato” demands directly related to our workplace. But what is the “Social Justice Fund” and what role does the UTE play with respect to “Global Social Justice?”

Very simply put, the “Social Justice Fund” is just what it says…a fund for social justice. A key element of all labour organizations in the developed world is to fight for more stable working conditions in which labour law becomes a universal right. Only when such rights are established, will unions be capable of reducing the power of money (capital) to seek less labour friendly countries in which to generate wealth, thereby preserving our working standards and indeed improving the working standards in those countries.

With the rise of corporate globalization aided by agreements such as NAFTA, capital is now even more transportable than ever. The sad fact is that, because of this phenomenon, gains made by labour in Canada can disappear when corporations choose to transfer their capital to countries that have a repressive labour environment. As more and more corporations choose to let the free flow of capital lead their decision-making process, developed countries will begin to experience job loss; whereas those countries that are less inclined to promote improved labour standards will, in the short-term, be the beneficiaries.

It is this marriage of international corporations and governments that has facilitated the flight of capital to more “profitable” jurisdictions. However, this has provided a “wake-up” call for unions everywhere to develop bargaining demands in which social justice becomes as important as obtaining improved benefits for the members. This is particularly important to unions because, if left unchecked, the growth of low-wage non-unionized jobs in developing nations will increase while fair-wage jobs in developed countries will experience decline. Gains previously made by unions will be eroded and this environment will have a negative impact on the union movement’s ability to continue negotiating fair contracts for their membership.

So, in answer to the question, “do unions have a role in global social justice?”, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Without the strength of the union movement both domestically and internationally, all workers suffer. Capital can be more easily transferred to those areas where labour costs are cheap. By developing policies where social justice becomes a significant demand, our union will help ensure stability both here and abroad.

Next time someone questions the need for a “social justice fund” and asks why the bargaining team isn’t solely adhering to the “real” demands, such as higher wages or an improved dental plan, you can tell them that corporate globalization now represents a significant threat to their jobs. Explain to them that, since governments are not committed to reigning in the power of corporations, it is the labour movement who must work to ensure that fair wages and better working conditions become a universal right…and remember, “An injury to one is an injury to all.”

Hugh McGoldrick

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