“…the union movement must exist for the purpose of securing for all the workers of a country the basic conditions of a civilized existence which must include security of employment, adequate wages, basic protection in sickness and old age, reasonable social amenities on the job and sufficient leisure.”
-Michael Manley, A Voice at the Workplace
Michael Manley had the heart of an activist, and this was never clearer than during his time as a trade unionist. The National Workers Union (NWU) was newly formed as an offshoot of the People’s National Party in 1952. Manley worked for the NWU for fifteen years, beginning shortly after his return to Jamaica having completed his studies, and continuing until his formal entry into electoral politics in 1967. He started with no experience, but swiftly showed his gift for trade union negotiations. He was named island supervisor as the NWU challenged the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) to win over the sugar workers.
Manley was discontented with the realities of class relations in Jamaica. At the start of his career with the trade union, Jamaica had not yet gained independence. Colonialism had left a strong imprint on the country. Despite the fact that trade unions had existed in the region since the 1930s, many workers still did not earn a living wage and had very few rights.
Manley’s formative years had built in him a strong sense of justice. He felt very strongly that human dignity demanded equality, and worked tirelessly to change class attitudes in Jamaica through his work with the NWU.
In his second book A Voice at the Workplace, published in 1975, Manley credits his years as a trade unionist with opening his eyes to the deeper problems that existed in Jamaican society. He firmly believed that workers had the right to a living wage, to participate in decision making, to be treated fairly in disciplinary matters and, most importantly, they had the right to dignity in the workplace.
Many of his decisions as Prime Minister, especially in his first term, were influenced by his experiences during that time.