S No

Important Lessons

Explanation

1

He must be a simple man whose life is an open book.

He must be a person with simplistic lifestyle. He shall not lead a lavish and sophisticated life style. He shall not misuse his position to improve his stature and increase his wealth.

2

He must be accessible to every member of the union that he leads.

He shall not forget ordinary members, once he got elected.  He shall keep himself in touch with the ground realities always.  

3

He must know his strengths and limitations.

A good trade union leader is always aware of his strengths and limitations.  He does not over-step his limits.  At the same time, he need not be very submissive to the management, because he derives his power and strength from the members he represents.

4

He may fight for his members’ rights, but at the same time shall maintain cordial personal relationships with everyone, regardless of the other person’s position in the organizational hierarchy.

He must not be seen by the management as a stumbling block in the organizational growth and development.  On the contrary, he must be seen as a consultant, facilitator and opinion maker who can influence, convince and control a large population of employees.   He shall readily offer his services for any organizational problem solving activity.

5

He must not put forth some demands the implications of which cannot be quantified or defined in concrete terms.

Putting forth demands like (a) Good ambience at the workplace must be maintained (b) Employees must be adequately compensated for working beyond stipulated working hours (c) Fair and quick career progression policy must be put in place etc. shall be avoided.

Such demands are vague and they will not convey any definite and proper sense.  Each one will interpret these demands in his/her own way.

6

A good Trade Union leader must know when to go on strike.

Strike shall not be used as a weapon to threaten the management.  But, only when all other forms of genuine trade union activities fail, as a last resort, strike call may be given.

7

Mere rhetoric speeches and emotional appeals do not achieve anything.

Initially, such speeches or appeals will be fascinating.  But, if they do not fetch the desired results, people will gradually lose their faith in him and start criticizing him openly.

8

He must not incite violence; he shall preach and practice only peaceful and non-violent means to achieve his union’s goals.

Any aggression or violence will weaken the stand of the union.  Peaceful and democratic activities may not pay immediate dividends, but steadfastly continuing them will definitely help achieve the union’s goals in course of time.

9

He must also know, when to call off the strike and bring it to an end.

Prolonging the strike unnecessarily, when no solution is in sight, will dissipate the strength of the union.  Even after the strike action is initiated, efforts must be simultaneously on to reach an amicable settlement as early as possible.  Doors to conciliatory talks must always be kept open.

10

He shall not collude with the management for personal gains and in the process, scuttle and sacrifice his followers’ interests and growth.

He shall not enter into any illegal pact with the management so as to retain his position and to thrive further.  For a few personal favours, he shall not barter the interests of his followers.

11

He must remember that the union derives its life from the institution in which he and his followers work.

Usually after sometime, a union leader starts thinking that only because of him, everything moves and without him, the organization/company and the members will be doomed.  This is a dangerous and preposterous thought and it will spell disaster for everyone.

S No

Important Lessons

Explanation

12

He must be surrounded by wise people who will not hesitate or fear to criticize his actions, if need be.

A successful leader has lieutenants possessing knowledge and skills in different areas and they advise him suitably without any restraint regularly.  Moreover, any collective decision will not be only respected, but is sure to be more rational. In such an environment, the union retains its credibility and strength.

13

He must never allow the management to curtail / take back any of the existing rights, privileges and concessions enjoyed by all/a large number of the members for a long period.

Union shall not yield to the clever tactics of the management to give up some existing facility or privilege, in order to win another.  Losing an existing privilege, right or facility is seen as a weakness of the union.  Moreover to win back what is lost, more time and energy are spent, rather than on achieving fresh things.  It will be too late, if any amends are sought to be made subsequently.

14

In case of a demand for a new facility or right, he must first accept it, even if it is offered only to a limited extent or scale.

Any new facility or right must be first accepted.  Later, in course of time, it can be gradually improved upon and extended to other sections of the members.  Rejecting a fresh facility outright on the ground it does not meet one’s expectations fully is foolish.  However, if the management makes a mockery of a critical and major demand by making some silly, shameful or humiliating counter offer, it may be rejected outright without any second thought.

15

He must not be seen as a person clinging to his post, for unreasonably long time.

He shall not think that his position is permanent and for the perceived sacrifices made by him, he must be allowed to continue in his post till he wants.  This sort of thinking will lead to undemocratic behavior on the part of such person and formation of a coterie consisting of sycophants and boot-lickers will be a natural consequence.

16

He must encourage leaders at different levels and groom them properly for future responsibilities.

He shall not feel threatened by the emergence of leaders at various levels, from various regions.  If he is able to take them into confidence and gives them necessary support, the union will become strong.  If any top leader in the union quits or dies, no vacuum will be created and there will be somebody to take such person’s place within a short span of time.  It will ensure perpetuity of the trade union movement in his organization.