Youth Reporters Interview Regional Secretary UNI APRO and General Secretary ICTJ
Nothing in this world is constant except change; changes develop from the evolution of continuous rise of the needs for a better future. Trade unions, in particular, had evolved dramatically in the past decades. At the present, most of the company management from the countries in Asia already appreciates the role of trade unions for the further development of labor relations, which will turn into more productivity, the optimization of talents and total positive contribution in our economy. Currently, countries in Asia Pacific are entering into negotiations about possible compromise for regulation on foreign trades. It is on the belief that a sudden rise in production, rise in importation and exportation will equate to success. As numbers will not seem to lie, we should reflect and consider all the aspects that affect our international relations and internal management-to-employee relations.
Regional Secretary UNI APRO, Brother Christopher Ng and General Secretary ICTJ, Brother Kenji Shibata specifically mentioned the importance of having Regional treaties and national, international trade unions as a whole.
In the point of view of Brother Christopher Ng and Brother Kenji Shibata, regional and economic treaties would be likely approved and supported by the international unions and if they would reach in to a compromise that they could secures all workers regardless the nature of the job i.e. full-time, part-time or contractual. Youth of today must remember that business should be conducted not only for monetary considerations, but also ultimately for the development of our society.
We should understand that Trade Unions do not serve opposing view comparable to a wall that divides the relations between the management and its member; instead we should view Trade Unions like a bridge that fills in the gap between the company’s vision and company’s success.
According to these two leaders, on the past decade there had been two controversial proposals between the neighboring countries in the ASEAN and nearby states. These are Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These two foreign trade policies are promoting aggressive impact on flow of products and services throughout the participating countries. However, there had been an opposition that imposed from various trade unions, both locally and internationally. It is with common belief that these platforms will have substantial effect on the employment. Introduction of advanced technology may implicate need for employees. In the long run, an unregulated and inconsiderate use of advance technology may result to massive job losses, which could lead to an economic turmoil.
To summarize what they have spoken of, the achievements of every union are not always reflected based upon the figures. Success covers not only the profits of the capitalists and businessmen, but also with the reality that employees within an entity is working with high degree of enthusiasm because they are satisfied and sharing the same vision for the improvement of our society.