Strike Action
'TEACHERS HAVE A DUTY OF CARE TO THEIR PUPILS AND THAT IS WHY THEY SHOULD NEVER GO ON STRIKE.' So read the imposing headline in the Daily Mail last Monday. As you might guess, the accompanying opinion piece by Melanie Phillips gave short shrift to teachers and their unions preparing for yesterday's walkout.
I confess that, beyond the 'dispute for dummies' summary of 'work longer, pay more and receive less', I know nothing of the detail of our children's teachers' grievances with our government. Nevertheless, I came to realise during a conversation earlier this week that this gloriously uninformed position didn't hinder me at all from making a blanket judgement on the immorality of all strike action in all circumstances. I might have even gone so far as to assert that striking is un-Christian!
However, even the briefest attempt at a theological consideration of industrial action quickly reveals a complexity worthy of the adoption of an attitude of greater humility, at least on my part.
We could draw attention to the wealth of scriptural material on the need to protect and care for the most vulnerable members of our society, and assert that striking teachers, depriving children of their education, are failing in their duty of care. Equally, however, union leaders might claim that industrial action is their way of protecting the interests of their members that would otherwise be quietly eroded.
Or we could highlight Paul's exhortation to consider the interests of others more important than our own, and argue that teachers and other public sector workers who choose to strike are thinking of themselves as opposed to those whom they serve. But then we must allow that the same exhortation also be applied to government ministers interested in making savings.
All of this is to say nothing of the argument that members of unions that have legitimately voted for legal strike action should stand by the democratic decision of their union, whether they personally like it or not.
Much as it is comforting to think of this issue - and many others - as theologically black and white, the fact is that both circumstances and perspective, not to mention Scripture itself, render the reality in various shades of grey. This should, at the very least, guard us against judging harshly the decisions of those faced with the choice to strike or not strike.
Nigel Hopper
Links
You can read Melanie Phillips' article in the Daily Mail here...
To read the reflections of an urban pastor on strike action, written in response to a question from a Christian teacher within his congregation, click here...
A briefing paper from Christians at Work, detailing a Christian response to industrial action is available here...
Comments
The duty of care argument does not hold much water I am afraid. I am a parent, not a teacher, and while teachers are responsible for my children while they are at school, they are not responsible when they are not there. They are not state provided childcare. If my child is ill, or there is an exceptional closure of the school, or schools are closed because of snow, we do not expect teachers to look after our children. Parents have the ultimate duty of care to their children. Teachers being on strike is of no more or less consequence than the common cold, or a bit of snow in the winter, and they should not feel guilty that they are forcing people to look after their children. On balance I do not think that this strike is a great idea, but I support the democratic right to strike, so I would not criticise a teacher or civil servant for doing so. The problem is that strikes can only be effective if they provide an incentive for the employer (government) to change their minds. This strike has consequences for teachers and parents, but not much for the government. Action that works needs to cost the employer more than they cost the worker or the general public. In professions like teaching this is very difficult to achieve.
I'd just like to point out that the pension crisis has very little - if anything - to do with the so-called greed of bankers. Rather, it's a long term policy conundrum that has required attention as the socio-economic landscape has changed over the last few decades i.e. we are living longer and particularly in old age, therefore a greater pot of money is required to sustain pensions at levels we expect or have become accustomed too. As LICC points out in so much of it's literature, the key to applying biblical principles in this case is the maintenance of relationships on both sides. Give and take and a little humility and grace is required on both sides. The government could have done a better job of communicating with people in this regard and it is therefore unfortunate that teachers/public sector workers felt forced to exercise a right to strike.
I agree with Will on this one 'only the children will suffer' As parent to two and a son to a teacher I wan't sure of which way to go on this one myself. I agree with the teachers, that they went into a job and expected to get what was presented to them on applying for the job. But on the other hand what happens to the education of my kids when they decide not to come into work. We as parents are almost castrated if we decide to take our kids out of school for holidays or anything else. Should the same not be for them - in all cases? At the end of the day as a previous company owner that had staff contracts to write and consider, it is the employers right to amend contracts - given fair warning. How is the government any different? They are an employer. Are teachers saying that they cannot change their contract and must hold fast to it? In my opinion, rather than striking, if you don't like it - leave. Do something else. Start your own business. As Christians we are called to engage with culture, but God also calls us to lead by example to cultivate a culture that will bring glory and honour to him. You can do that in any position of employment, self-employment and where-ever we stand in society. Western culture is driven by business and money. We need more people to stand and say 'Money is not my God' - if you worry about your pension pot, are you trusting in God enough for provision? If you are a Christian teacher on strike, does this really show an attitude of having faith that God will provide?
Lot's of points. It wasn't just teachers on strike today It's not just public employees who are bearing the brunt of the crisis caused by bankers, we all are. We are all paying the price for the "bankers' greed. An imposed change in the T&C of your employment is not acceptable. Changing the benefits of teachers (ing) for the worse leads to lack of attraction to potential teachers, already there are sugar pills (14k after 3 years) to attract suitable physics teachers, what will have to be offered next. Only the children will suffer if this becomes the norm. Teachers, along with every other public and private employee are entitled to respect and a fair and reasonable employer, this is not being demonstrated at the moment. The strike today shows the strength of feeling by all taking part, and that is to be lauded. Jesus turning over the tables of the traders outside the temple is an act enough for me . Justice and forgiveness can only be achieved by the bankers paying their due, and those not to blame should not have to suffer, and this includes every unfortunate family who has her member lose their job. We should all forgive the lib/con crew for being insensitive and getting it wrong. I am not a teacher. Will
Dear Nigel and other LICC team who help us engage with culture, Over here in Australia I am unaware of many specific current affairs issues you comment on, though of course we have very similar issues happening here. May I thank you for what you are doing! I have always thought that Kingdom people being able to intelligently comment on current public/world issues is a great test of our ability to be relevant and contextualise the gospel. Congratulations to you guys - the ability to write a Christin editorial is a great skill. Thank you for modelling it, and helping me "think Christianly" about all such relevant issues in our world.
With regard to strike action, I would like to make two points.Although Scripture talks about caring for otheres before yourself, it does not say you should be trampled upon. Also, governments are called to rule justly. Therefore, there are occasions when one needs to stand up for principles and justice for oneself. On the second point, I don't believe that individuals should have to strike if they don't believe thatthe issue being fought over is wrong. But, people should be prepared to stand with others if there is a principle at stake. Too many people take the softer option and opted out of taking any side. In the past Unions called strikes for the stupidist reasosn, but now, they generally think long and hard before doing so, partly because of legal restraints, but also the argument has to be good for members to support them.
Date:
2011-07-05 18:06:17
Author:
Greg Fletcher