Numerous clarion calls have been made by unionists over the past few years for more youth involvement in trade union movements and activities, and Brian Grimes, Public Relation Officer (PRO) for the Public Workers Union (PWU) shares the same sentiments.

In recent times, Grimes was noted saying that the involvement of young workers is “sorely lacking,” and there needs to be a succession plan in place. “We are looking for massive involvement of youths in the public service within the Trade Union,” and although this has not happened yet, he assured The Barnacle News Team that, “all is not dark.”

Shop Steward Councils will continue to encourage the people to be part of the march on Labour Day and ensure that they understand the importance of a trade union in their personal and professional development. “It’s an ongoing battle but it’s one that we are prepared to take on,” said Grimes.

Former President General of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU), Senator Chester Humphrey, shared similar sentiments, despite not being actively involved in the union movement for approximately 1 year.

Humphrey, who currently serves as a Labour Consultant, spoke to The Barnacle News Team about his views on participation and membership in TAWU. In his opinion, the participation levels in TAWU are very good, and, based on the turnout at General Council Meetings, there is usually a 65-70% turnout. TAWUs membership represents a large percentage of workers. “When you look at the leadership of the Technical and Allied Workers Union now, I think the average age has dropped significantly,” he added.

Although Mr Humphrey seems satisfied with the work of the unions to some extent, he still believes that there is room of improvements. According to him, “trade unions have to make themselves much more relevant today than they were yesterday, simply because a lot of what workers struggled for yesterday, has already been won.” Speaking to the Collective Agreement, which includes profit sharing, retirement benefits, matters of occupational health and safety issues, all of which are now written into Law, Mr Humphrey stated that prior to this, workers were even arrested while fighting for such rights. Therefore, since workers today are now entitled to these rights, their level of interest may drop, and this, he believes is something that the unions have to guard against.

“Unions need to broaden their scope of representation,” according to TAWUs former President General. “Unions have to find creative ways to maintain themselves and make themselves relevant,” and know the role of the trade unions in a modern economy. “While it (trade unions) has to be there to represent and defend the rights of workers, its role has now changed.”

So, in which direction should the union be going? According to Mr Humphrey, “the unions should structure themselves in such a way that the unions need to get in the pharmaceutical business. The unions need to get into health insurance.” He believes that the unions should have the largest health insurance and manage pension plans and mortgages among other benefits, rather than private entities.

It is no doubt that the Unions, as with almost every other business and institution needs to remain on par with the technological advancements, and Mr Humphrey concurs. Ultimately, the level of the Trade Unions advocacy has to be improved to be able to adequately represent the workers. They have to also leverage the purchasing power of workers and expand their movements and involve themselves in the shaping of national policy. “Unless one can shape public policy, things can easily be evaporated,” Humphrey added.

In addition to this, Mr Humphrey indicated that the unions should be treated as both an advocacy movement and business.