If you've ever found yourself in a position where your employer has made it very difficult for you to express your work-related concerns then consider 'working to rule' like these journalist at the BBC. You don't need a union to enforce this kind of response. Often a tacit understanding between colleagues aimed at withholding effort or enthusiasm can be enough to win concessions from management. Try it! It's been a feature of Britain since the advent of industrialisation and there's good reason to suggest it can work even better when the stakes are at their highest, i.e. in an era defined by 'lean manufacturing', 'just in time' production, tight deadlines, etc.
BBC NEWS 24 STAFF TO TAKE ACTION - BBC NEWS
Back to the election. Two recent articles on the 2005 election are worthy of particular note. First up is the Green Party and an idea of what employment could like look in a more environmentally sustainable situation. There isn't a great deal of substance to their beliefs, but there is arguably great value in restating the objection to a policy of continually attracting inward and investment from large multi-national corporations, i.e. at the very least this a short-term measure. At the most, such a policy leaves Britain and British workers at the behest of corporations whose ultimate loyalty lies anywhere other than in the UK. What is more, as governments stay out of business more and more it is hard to believe how workers can resist their employers even if granted a floor of employment rights (see article below to see how it could be done).
GREENS URGE NEW JOBS 'REVOLUTION' - BBC NEWS
Another work-related part of the election centres very much on a British government continuing to take a hands off approach to domestic industry. Particularly those organizations that have a long history and are built on the hardwork of generations of British workers. Compare this to our very close neighbours in France who play a far more active role in their industry. The main point is that rather than the incumbent government scurrying around when such a crisis emerges, the government plays some sort of direct role all along. In effect, it increases governmental accountability at a time when it appears to want to do quite the opposite. It also stops governments washing their hands of business-related problems that could devastate regions of Britain for many years to come.
ROVER HIGHLIGHTS ANGLO-FRENCH DIVIDE - BBC NEWS
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