As the Unions position their members for some cold nights outside it’s sure to be a tough time for businesses, workers and the government over the next few months.
Looking at the figures for the first half of this year however and compared to the previous years it seems that things are might not be as tough as the were in the 80’s and 90’s. It seems also that there are many people willing to strike but not for long. It is working out as just over an hour for each person in the first half of 2009. Compare that to 2008 where the average per worker was nearly 12 hours.
The second half of 2009, particularly the last few months, may help to level these figures out. Time will tell.
100,000+ have marched the streets of Dublin today in protest of the economy and the government’s handling of the situation so far. The protest was organized by Unions but I can’t help but feel that a savings of 100,000 * €20 (a month union fee) would be better spent on anything other than unions.
How about a protest by union members who have got nothing for their money except an almost hyper inflation over the past few years. A real protest would be to stop paying your union membership and join with others who actually care about jobs, the economy and this country. Join with them and figure out a way to make a real change. Clogging up the streets of Dublin on a mild Spring Saturday afternoon has about as much impact as a punch from Willie O’Dea’s granny.
As the country braces itself for a sustained period of economic contraction it is obvious that there is a tough time ahead for the majority of Irish people.
It is somewhat unsurprising that the public sector unions are digging their heels in already. Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann have voted in favour of industrial action. Teachers are also being balloted for industrial action and over the next few weeks we are set to see much disruption to the areas of society where disruption resonates most.
Industrial action by a public sector with guaranteed pensions and guaranteed jobs will clearly win no fans.
Yesterday TUI president Don Ryan said “Our members are prepared to take their fair share of the burden”
This evening on Today FM general secretary of ASTI John White said that they were “willing to play their part in dealing with this recession”
It seems that everyone wants to do their part, as long as it is deciding others should suffer.
This chart from our site shows just how industrial action has declined over the years. 2007 being the year when the least ever amount of hours were lost to industrial action. I think that record is safe for a while:
