Kayveeyes Desk - Ten Tenets of a True Trade Unionist: A Personal Reflection
Becoming a dedicated trade union activist isn't just about showing up; it's about embodying principles that strengthen our collective voice and fight for justice. Reflect on these questions and honestly assess where you stand. Are you living up to the call?
1. Do I truly understand and internalize the history of our movement? Am I actively learning about our past struggles, achievements, and the sacrifices made, so I can effectively instill class consciousness and self-confidence in our members, drawing lessons for future campaigns and countering misinformation from those who seek to divide us?
2. How deep is my knowledge of our industry and organization? Can I articulate its intricate workings, understand the nuances of our members' work, and grasp their working conditions? Is this detailed understanding my foundation for presenting clear, compelling arguments to management and effectively advocating for our employees' welfare? Do I actively learn from my fellow workers, who are often the best teachers?
3. Have I shed the illusion that all acts and rules are inherently against workers' welfare? Can I critically interpret regulations, identifying opportunities to interpret them positively for our members' advantage, while also recognizing and actively working to challenge laws that undermine the benefits secured through past struggles?
4. How well do I understand the diverse backgrounds of our members—their castes, religions, nationalities, and ways of life? Am I equipped to provide support to individuals who might initially gravitate towards communal or caste affiliations for security, and can I help them develop a stronger class consciousness to prevent anti-worker forces from dividing us?
5. Am I actively cultivating the next generation of union leaders? Do I dedicate special attention to mentoring and molding new activists, equipping them with thorough knowledge and the courage to bravely lead future struggles, ensuring the continuity and strength of our movement?
6. After gaining my position, do I remain connected to the common membership? Do I actively share my experiences, learn from others, and meticulously balance diverse perspectives to activate less engaged members while prudently guiding more extreme elements?
7. Do I deeply connect with our workers, understanding their feelings and weighing their moods practically? Can this understanding guide my decisions on when to postpone agitations due to unpreparedness, when to adjust our programs to better suit the situation, or when to launch a serious agitation, knowing the time is right because the members' mood demands it?
8. Am I well-informed about current political developments, while maintaining the necessary and healthy distance between political parties and our trade union? Does my political awareness help me make democratic decisions within the union and organize the working class with class consciousness for broader unity?
9. When I discuss issues with management, do I present our resolutions and thoughts with absolute clarity and unwavering confidence to win our demands? Do I understand that mere shouting or arrogance, without substantive arguments and clear purpose, does not demonstrate true class character and ultimately fails to solve workers' problems?
10. Do I always remember that the maturity of our leadership is paramount to safeguarding workers' interests, and that individual discipline plays a vital role in our organization's strength? Am I committed to embodying this maturity and discipline in my own actions every single day?
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