The Philosophy Behind Strikes (Industrial Action)
“Labor force is not a commodity. It is an exception and should not be judged solely on the parameters of demand and supply. ”
Many people contend that wages of labor force should be subject to the laws of demand and supply whereas others want that certain legislations and regulations must be formulated in this regard. Let’s taste a bit of this controversy.Everybody talks in favor of consumers. It’s often vindicated that the consumers should pay the least price and get the highest quality for what they consume. In fact, this is the one of the positive consequences of competition.
Now, let’s look at the other side of the picture. Employers (Businessmen) also consume the services of labor force and hence should be treated as customers and no hue and cry should be raised when they decide low wages for laborers or appoint new ones to teach a lesson to those who indulge in frequent strikes.
So, who is in the right, the employer or the work force? Let’s explore the problem a little bit more before we pronounce a judgment. We have seen that completion often leads to better quality and that too at reduced prices. Let’s reflect upon what happened in the labor sector of the developed nations of the world some time ago.
The labor force increased greatly and together with it increased their prices. Here the law of competition failed as the increase in the labor force did not lead to a decrease in its prices. So, what can we say?
Only this that labor force is not a commodity. It is an exception and should not be judged solely on the parameters of demand and supply. Goods don’t have feelings but human beings do possess a lot of them.
A simple thought that arises in the minds of all of us is the attainment of a decent standard of living. It’s this urge that leads a hugely deprived workforce towards strikes.
Businessmen have many avenues where they can cut prices or take full advantage of the laws of demand and supply (after all monopolies are also not unheard of in the business world). They should not try to extract every surplus penny out of the pockets of their workforce.
The labor also has to realize its responsibility and refrain from undue pressure tactics. It should be ready to bear certain hardships especially if the business under question is really in dire straits.
Author - DeeKay
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