Union ( Trade Union ) Representation

We blame the Engineering Societies for all our ills. This does not seem just. What is badly needed is one strong Professional Union, or Trade Union as it is called, to represent Professionals. Being an Engineering Society and a Trade Union is not compatible. One must remember that, what might be called respectable companies, can be ruthless and this may call for strong reciprocal Union action. Engineering Societies by their nature may not be in a position to dole out the strong action needed.

The present dilemma in the United States and other developed countries where companies are asking Engineers to train foreign replacements or else face loss of severance pay, is totally degrading and unacceptable.

I recall thirty years ago when I worked for a national electricity company, which would have been classed as a very dynamic company and respectful to Engineers. However, they seemed to think that Engineers should work below a normal rate of pay. The only way to solve this anomaly was for Engineers to join a Union. They decided on the UK based MSF Union which catered for many Professional categories. The Company refused to meet the Union's reasonable demands, with the result that after some years the Union had no other avenue open to it but to close down the country's electricity network, except essential services, for a day. The company ever since show great respect for their Engineers, financially and otherwise. It is unfortunate that it takes this sort of action to get your dues, but if that's what it takes, well so be it.

What Engineers need is one large Union in the individual countries to represent all Engineers. Being fragmented by Engineers joining small Unions means that they have little clout. Employers also realize that the Engineering Societies have little clout, and so they don't need to be worried about these Societies.

Talking again and again about the problems will solve nothing. What is needed is Trade Union-type action to rectify the problems.

Just a few thoughts !

Regards,

Fintan Lynch, B.E., iEng.