Unions and Management: A Case Study of Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation

Abstract

Unions basically seek to advance the interest of their members. As a
principal goal, unions exert a strong influence on individuals,
organizations and upon the government to advance the economic and
social positions of their constituents. Union play significant role by
adopting positions on such public issues as unemployment, job
security, opportunity for advancement, tariffs, health care, wages,
social security etc. They try to influence the decisions of not only the
administration of individual organization but also the state legislatures
to improve labor laws on variety of issues for welfare of their
employees. In addition, unions by performing their fraternal goals
provide a sense of belonging for employees to give them a sense of
identification and purpose.
This paper first traces the historical development of unions with
particular references to Pakistan, highlight their merit and demerit,
current position in public and private organizations and challenge they
are facing at present. Second it examines the role of unions in
Pakistan's major institution like Pakistan Telecommunication
Corporation (PTCL). It is observed that over the time union is loosing
their positions in the world as well as in Pakistan like in PTCL. After
privatizations since 2006 the state of the affairs of unions at PTCL are
very pathetic. Employees have lost all their hopes that the union will
ever work for their well beings. Unions need to review themselves to be
accepted by the employee and the leaders have to work beyond their
personal interests. Unions need to demonstrate a larger social vision
as well.