Industrial Strikes: AVOIDING STRIKES

Strikes that cause the most disturbance are those that take place in the larger companies who employ large numbers of workers. It is sometimes said that 'small is beautiful', and this could be applied to some businesses. A strike in a large company can become a stranglehold on the community or nation, but when smaller businesses go on strike the public have alternatives.

Management should always keep an ear to the ground, noticing anything that might give rise to complaints before a dispute gathers momentum. The workplace should not become a 'them-and-us' situation. Masters and servants should regard themselves as a team equally valuable in their particular functions. Also where there is a works canteen for instance, management and workforce eating together can mean a lot.

Another way of fostering co-operation is for the employees to be taken into partnership with the firm, so they are not only paid for their work, but have an opportunity to share in the profits, which after all, are the fruits of their labour. It becomes 'their' company and they will be ready to share responsibilities. It is interesting to note that Trade Unions in America sometimes loan money to the company. How about that for co-operation!

The Japanese have devised a code of practice in industrial relations, and when a difficulty arises they simply apply the appropriate article, and usually, with common sense and discipline the strike is averted.

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