Modern unionism
The involvement of the Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) in the professional bartending course for some 25 persons, in association with the St. Maarten Timeshare Association and the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, is a good example of what modern unionism is all about. Rather than only focussing on improving benefits of the workers it represents, a good labour union takes it a step further.
By providing tools to help them improve their work skills and increase their knowledge, WIFOL has played a major role over the years in offering a large number of people better prospects of either getting a job or upgrading their worker status. To do so effectively, the kind of cooperation with organisations representing employers, as is the case here, is very important.
Some may argue that working too closely with the organisations sitting across the bargaining table when it comes to Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) talks or resolving labour conflicts makes it harder for a union to defend its members, but that is not necessarily the case. Making use of a separate training entity, as is the case here, is one way to help prevent any conflict of interest among union leaders.
The idea that unions can best serve their members by always using a confrontational approach is in any case outdated. Experience has shown that much more can often be achieved by working with the employer and getting involved in the comings and goings at the company, while at the same time seeking attention for issues the members need addressed.
With its computer classes and other activities, WIFOL has been consistent in its efforts to play a positive role where it pertains to the upgrading of youngsters and the working plans, at the same time contributing to a more sound development of society.
The union and its president Theophilus Thompson deserve credit for assuming responsibility not just in terms of defending the members, but helping make St. Maarten a better place. And despite recent attempts by others to discredit the union as being too “soft” and to take over part of its membership, WIFOL has stuck to the high road and mostly refrained from reacting or counterattacking.
A good union is more than a platform from which to criticise and put pressure on employers. It is there to represent and defend its members, yes, but cannot lose sight of the bigger picture and the long-term interest of workers and society as a whole.
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