[PEN-L:7014] Re: exploitation in progressive organizations

[Ellen Dannin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>]

On Tue, 29 Oct 1996, Terrence  Mc Donough wrote:
> Collective bargaining type models don't work well in progressive 
> org's because the org shouldn't be using its powerful position as an 
> employer in the bargaining process.  Similarly, the social 
> consciousness and personalized relationships of the org can be abused 
> by employees. * * *

Actually, I think the opposite is the case.  The organization needs to 
admit it IS an employer vis a vis these employees and to decide that it 
wants to be a progressive model of an employer.  Instead, what I have 
observed happens most often is that the organization decides that since 
it is doing "god's work" it is justified in whatever means it chooses to 
reach this end.  Most often it can succeed, because there are lots of 
committed folks who are sympathetic with those ends and unwiling to see 
that they are being exploited by these good people.

A lot of this could be avoided if the organizations' leaders would admit 
that when they have workers they are employers with all the 
responsibilities that entails.  A lot is helped by being honest and clear 
about positions and interests and responsibilities and rights.

This, incidentally, is an important insight of the NLRA: you need to have 
clear divisions between employers and the employed.  This line is 
something proponents of labor-management cooperation want to erase.  When 
it is erased, then exploitation is far easier.

[Sorry not to have discussed the important toothpaste in the US issue, 
Bill.  Next post.]

Regards,

ellen

Ellen J. Dannin
California Western School of Law
225 Cedar Street
San Diego, CA  92101
Phone:  619-525-1449
Fax:    619-696-9999