Current Status of Labor Unions

(Next) (Türkçe) Considering all approaches and situation; The period we are in, is not only in our region or our country, but also a period in which the entire world starts to change. We can also foresee the new industrial relations and labor conditions by looking at the new structure of the global economy and ownership of production tools. * Mass production period is ending.

The products are differentiated for consumers. Also the production process are  shared among firms according to their specialties on  "intermediate products". This also means that the capitals of different regions are making common production.

* Industrial enterprises are also decreasing the number of regular employees. In addition to the regular core staff, flexible working models are evolving. Full Time Jobs will turn into "odd jobs" for based on pieces/stages of projects. Everyone will not be able to work continuously and regularly.

* Workplace dependency decreases. Workplace unionism will weaken further. Knowledge-intensive production leaves more empty (but not free) time. At the same time, this enables qualified people to work on projects around the world.

* The dependence of capital on production place and conditions is decreasing. Capital mobility have more mobility flexibility to produce at the most profitable regions.

* Labor mobility falls. Especially for the unqualified or low-skilled workforce, unemployment is becoming widespread all over the world.

* International capital limits the social and social policies of national states. The powers of nation states are weakening. Governments will move further away from economic activities in the public interest. These tasks will be mostly left to the local administrators who governs after elections. States are moving towards just the regulatory and decision-making role in the social and economic spheres. Because there is still a need of a balancing decision maker and referee in any dispute.

* The decrease in the state's public investments for production makes societies less interested in the decisions taken by governments. This leads to less public support for the policies of government. On the other hand, "Politics" is becoming an area where the capital owners are more visible. The effects of capital on the political and economic decisions taken for countries will also increase.

* The guarantees of the Social Welfare State will be completely abandoned by privatization of public services.

* As the welfare and consumption power of societies determine the state power, the basic and social investments that will support social welfare will be provided through local governments.

* The number of white collar workers will increase, except for certain some sectors (such as mine, shipyard, mining, textiles, etc.) They have already reached the majority in developed countries.

* The bonds between laborers are weakening due to scattered workplaces in different regions and their expertise in different fields.This situation also makes union organization difficult.

* Another factor in the reduction of the number of unionized, not only in Turkey is increasing distrust towards unions worldwide. The first reason is that the unions cannot adapt with the change in labor life. Now, the conception of union has come down to the level of wage unionism. Corruption and non-transparent administrations are instigating the situation.

* The concept of "The worst union is better than no union" has evolved into ignoring corruption and condemning the worker to the inadequate practices of unions.The problems of working life have increased continuously. When the problems were hidden from others or ignored, these problems are causing inextricable catastrophes. We can assume the same case that for every management which avoids transparent management.

*A result of the non unionization is rising insensitivity to the labor rights and demands as reduction of the social support on public opinion. Because an organization that does not solve its own management and member problems has no contribution to society.

* Another result is the weakening of enforcement power of Unions on National and International Platforms. The vote force represented by the union and their contributions  in the economy have decreased and they have been taken less seriously by politicians. Thus, their enforcement powers in the decisions of the International Organizations also have also decreased.

* Public institutions have become the largest employers in the service sector as particularly. The competition of competing unions has increased in these workplaces. The situation is being concluded against the employees.Who become estranged and distrusting to Unions. *As a constitutional right in the workplace, whether or not to be a member of the labor union is guaranteed freedom. Whereas the Labor union acts like a human resources unit of the company, union membership has become a compulsion. It is doubtful how much the union will represent the worker against boss when the labor union gets new members by coercing instead of with persuasion. It is doubtless that the same labor administration will also rough handle against workers' rights. * The inadequacy of labor unions is another reason for the low level of union organization despite intense unemployment. In order to have and retain the Work, the Employee waives many social rights and demands.

* In the event of unemployment, the support for workers provided by the labor unions are often absent. This insecurity is an obstacle to the labor organization.

What should be done for Labor Unions?