Collective bargaining is a fundamental right of
workers to organize and bargain for better wages and
working conditions. The history of unions and their
growing power has enabled workers to secure welfare
measures, bonuses, and compensation for accidents.
However, when negotiations break down, labor may
resort to coercive measures, such as demonstrations,
to achieve their goals.
Demonstrations serve to show the public what
grievances workers have and how they are in the
right. While the public may be affected directly or
indirectly, the aim of demonstrations is to create
public opinion and gain the attention of the
government. In some cases, demonstrations may lead
to chains of negotiation and arbitration that
ultimately benefit labor.
However, there is no guarantee that demonstrations
will always be peaceful. Large crowds are likely to
turn violent due to imprudent acts or inadvertently
hurtful remarks. Leadership and education of labor
play a crucial role in avoiding violence, and
demonstrations may attract stateless and addressless
mobs who cause trouble. From this perspective,
demonstrations are not wholly acceptable.
The idea of resolving disputes without resorting to
demonstrations may need to be evolved, especially
since demonstrations for even minor complaints are
becoming increasingly popular. These demonstrations
are unacceptable, as they do not take into account
the responsibilities that come with asserting one's
rights.
While demonstrations in relation to labor have been
discussed, other demonstrations such as those
organized by students have different causes. In all
cases, a suitable solution must be found to address
the grievances that give rise to demonstrations.
In conclusion, while collective bargaining is an
important right of workers, demonstrations should
not be accompanied by violence. The leadership and
education of labor play a critical role in ensuring
that demonstrations remain peaceful and effective.
Society may need to evolve new methods of settling
disputes without resorting to demonstrations,
especially as more people assert their rights
without considering their responsibilities. |