Nick Jefferson of Couraud says....we had an overwhelming response from HR Directors wishing to be the voice of Couraud Confidential.  So in the short term we'll be trialling a few different bloggers. Here's one early entry. Let us know what you think............

Trade Unions

A thing of the past or part of the continuous improvement network?

Coming from a working class background and brought up with a strict bias towards the traditional Labour Government, I was regularly fed an unhealthy diet of “one out all out, down the tools lads” from my father. 

Now some 30 years on just the thought of me sitting the other side of the desk representing the Company against his beloved unions would be enough for my old man to splutter his Yorkshire pudding across the dinner table.  Recently I lost my train of thought as the full time convener goes off on yet another militant rant and I’m left thinking we are in 2008, surely times have changed since my Dad and his colleagues led us to the Winter of discontent in 1979.  Unfortunately for me and more importantly the business, this would appear not to be the case.  The Union members, despite reassurances of job security and an above inflationary increase voted to take industrial action leaving the Company to lick its wounds and ponder the consequences.  With regular reminders that petrol, energy bills, milk and bread are all going through the roof, I find the whole situation difficult and increasingly frustrating.  The disillusioned Company Director looks at me with clear disappointment and asks “who runs this place”?    

The business is a conscientious employer and I cannot help feeling that this whole process is an abuse of power from the Union Officials and that the Company has undeservedly been shown in a negative light.  Some of my father’s principles did stick and I am all for a fair days pay for a fair days work.  This, I believe, amongst job security, enrichment and advancement are key ingredients to a businesses success but with the balance of power swinging back in favour of the employee along with a tighter economy, increased competition, I am siding with the doom and gloomers as we tread carefully into the unknown.  Trade Unions = Continuous Improvement?  For whom?