THERE IS an adage that when the USA sneezes, countries of the world catch a cold. It is a proverb that relates to the might of America and how its problems can impact on the rest of the international community, in particular, small states and economies highly dependent on the markets and financial aid from that superpower.

In the aftermath of last week's terrorism horrors in the USA, sub-regions of the poor and developing states of the so-called 'Third World' like the Caribbean, have become more vulnerable to the economic problems that international analysts predict will flow from the pain inflicted on America.

It is a time when governments, the private sector and the trade unions will be required to engage more, not less, in structured dialogue to forge partnership for increased productivity and generally foster a climate conducive to cooperation.

And to be seen to be so doing as the CARICOM countries, with their varying levels of development, continue to seek consensual approaches in dealing with the international community on trade, aid, investment, security (narco-trafficking/gun-running/criminal deportees) and health (HIV/AIDS) issues.

The traditional confrontation or adversarial posturings so common in the public sector between some unions and governments in the region, will have to give way to a more pragmatic approach in resolving industrial relations disputes, whether they relate to wages and salaries or working conditions. If not, workers will suffer and the countries concerned will be the ultimate losers.

Being Competitive
Bargaining for pay hikes/improved benefits, within the framework of established industrial relations practice, is one thing. When union representatives put narrow, self-serving or political agendas before workers interest, this could have serious negative consequences for more than those workers.

The same is true for public and private sector employers that are either too arrogant or insensitive to the bargaining positions of unions representing their employees.

Increasingly, across the region, there is the inclination for tripartite partnerships involving government, private sector and organised labour, as a response to the expanding challenges of a globalised economy.

A central goal of such a partnership, with its implicit security or advantages for the employed and employer, is to link productivity to efficiency and competitiveness.

This concept obviously places enlightened constraints against wages/salaries demands that can have serious consequences for employers in both the public and private sector that wish to maintain existing labour force and avoid contributing to increased cost of living.

Guyana cannot afford to be an exception to such a trend and all sectors with the national interest at heart need to come to terms with the need for a new and much more meaningful relationship among the government, private sector and organised labour.

Perhaps the coming two-day Forum being organised by the Guyana Trades Union Congress, ahead of its Delegates Conference, could be a good occasion to come up with ideas on the pursuit of a new course/strategy in working together in the face of the creeping international economic crisis heightened by the troubles of the USA.