The blogosphere is pulsating with commentary about the Health Services Union and whether or not Federal MP Craig Thomson has or hasn’t done anything wrong. Workers have told me today how they feel about big business and the growing divide between those who have billions and those who belong to the poor working class or worse, tragically and unnacceptably, live in abject poverty.

Unions have performed an essential role throughout our labour history. They have had to fight for what should never have had to be fought for. However they don’t have a moratorium on ethical practice. They don’t always keep the so and so’s honest. Sometimes it’s the delegates and officials who need keeping honest.

I’ve worked across several sectors for 20 years. I have seen the whole gamut from the employer trying to create flexibility in the workforce to remain afloat, nimble or competitive  only to be sabotaged by union reps serving their own self interest. I’ve seen hate campaigns (i.e. vicious bullying) mounted against managers running legitimate change agendas even where this may put long term worker employment in jeopardy (as often those divisions were eventually sold off or closed down). This is holding a line that fails to take into account the big picture.
 
I’ve seen incompetent and/or unscrupulous managers who commoditise their people and put them under impossible strain. I’ve also seen delegates on the factory floor threaten and marginalise people happy to do a reasonable day’s work for a reasonable day’s pay.

 I understand completely the resentment of workers who see executives getting rich off what is perceived to be worker exploitation. However while far too many Australians may really be doing it tough and be understandably envious, it’s not a crime to be wealthy. Union members are entitled to be well represented by people sincere about hearing them and advocating for them; not to pursue their own agenda and not to defend the indefensible.