Collective Bargaining – Concept Dilution
Collective bargaining as we all know in general terms means combined negotiations. The concept even though initially was brought at work places to benefit workers with small numbers with no unions to negotiate with wealthy and powerful owners.
Today, the term looks to be diluted as new concept developed where unions combine from different sectors to negotiate or to say basically ensure the management or in some cases governing body has no option but to accept inspite financially not viable to run operations. In a recent news release it was disclosed TDSB paid $213 million dolllars last year which is 8.71% of total payroll just for paid sick leaves. In last six months there were negotiations for TTC, TPS and just before a few days for CBSA.
While it’s essential for employees to have an increase but questionable is fact should it be based on collective bargaining concept where a government is brought on knees by even essential workforce. Needless to say it’s ultimately the general public who undergoes stress ( wondering if TTC will function ), will children go to school or for that matter can they cross the border without in specified time and so on. Financially, of course every government decision will ultimately boil down to public through taxes.
May be is time to redefine and fine tune collective bargaining concept looking at drawbacks leading to taxing and an inconvenience to general public.