The Old Hack

"Oh you don't get me, I'm part of the union." Thus sang the Strawbs in their rousing anti-establishment 1973 hit single. 

I was reminded by an item in this-morning's news why I am not part of the union.  In spite of a long held "left of centre" view of the world, my personal experience of trade unions has not been a good one.  I can, of course, understand the principle of having a body to protect the interests of workers - even in these 'enlightened' New Labour times.  But when the very body which is set up to help and protect you is so out of touch with modernity that it disadvantages you, you have to question its relevance.  Let me explain...

The news item I am referring to concerns local government officers at Neath Port Talbot council, one of whom was sacked and two of whom resigned after being caught spending working time logged on to the internet auction site eBay. I should firstly state that I offer no defence of anybody using the time for which they are paid by the public purse to pursue their own hobbies or small businesses.  It is the reaction of the union which has me completely perplexed.

Mark Fisher of the union UNISON told the BBC that the council had put temptation in the workers' way by providing access to the internet during working hours. 

I suppose the council don't tempt their staff with coffee breaks by providing kettles - whatever next?

I have a small confession to make.  Until giving up my 'day job' a couple of months ago to make the move to France, I worked for local government. I used to complain about the sites I was unable to access during the working day - not because I wanted to log on to eBay but because so much information relevant to my job and improving the service offered was unavailable due to over zealous restrictions imposed by the IT department of the council for which I worked.  Just as well then that UNISON didn't decide to intervene and completely screw up my attempts to give a better service to the public!

What is needed is a level headed approach to the benefits and pitfalls of technology and a sensible cost/benefit analysis.  So long as the "you don't get me I'm part of the union" attitude prevails and the "them and us" employer/employee relationship continues, there is little hope for progress within the public sector in the United Kingdom.

Maybe it is time for UNISON and the other public sector unions to take stock and ask themselves exactly how and why most private enterprises came to give trade unions a very wide berth.  It's not all the legacy of Margaret Thatcher!

The photograph is entitled "Enlighten PC" and is by Simen.  It can be seen with his other work at picable.com