A recent survey has revealed that most ZDNet Australia readers don't believe the labor interest groups will succeed in unionising the local IT industry. Of the 330 responses to the poll, 81 percent were sceptical about unions' ability to protect jobs within the industry in the current economic climate and, consequently, grow membership within it.
In the view of Information Technology Workers Association (ITWA) spokesperson, Mike Gadiel, the results of the survey are thought provoking.
"It's disappointing isn't it?" he asked rhetorically.
The results contradict assertions made by the NSW government supporting the launch of the ITWA last October.
"Because the industry has been in a boom time for so long IT workers began to feel more protected than in other industries," said a spokesperson for NSW IT minister, Kim Yeadon. "Given the mass sackings we have seen in the last few months, IT workers are starting to realise that although they are highly skilled, they are vulnerable unless they can participate in collective bargaining."
Gadiel, who oversees the NSW Labor Council's initiative to unionise the IT industry and open communication between IT workers and policy makers, said that the results are indicative of the foetal stage the project is at.
"Even though the majority of IT workers may not be optimistic about unions, if we can achieve some results in the areas that they're concerned about, the credibility we'd achieve would change perspectives," he said.
Its a bit disappointing to see this result. Alot of people dont realise that unions can assist workers with disputes with employers without resorting to heavy handed tactics such as striking.
There are alot of things that employers know that they would very much like employees to remain in the dark about. It is in these areas that a union can advise you of your rights...