Strike one, strike two...

There's lots happening in South African news lately, even global news in fact. Seems like sports, strikes and broken hearts are the order of the day. Oh and alleged price fixing from our major grocery chains.

One thing that I find a bit alarming is the constant and perpetual strike action that's taking place all over the country, in various industries. I have to admit, I've never belonged to a union, I've never had to so my perspective is slightly distorted but I'm going to try and engage both sides of the story.

It seems the first plan of action is to strike in this country. Now, please note, I am an advocate of free and fair working environments. Safety, equality and fair wage increases are absolutely one of the factors that will ensure that previous mistakes won't be repeated, dodgy policies are kept from becoming law and of course, the people, or rather citizens, of this country aren't exploited.

Seems like Zuma's "People's Government" might have to find a way to appease the workers of this country and yet, not be held hostage by them. After the thumbs up from the FIFA organising committee, workers threatened to down tools and stop work on major 2010 construction projects in favour of a higher increase than what organisations are offering. Timing is everything it seems. I can only speculate what would have happened if the organising committee had graded us lower? Would workers have worked harder? No, no probably not. The other question is whether or not taxi drivers who very nearly, seriously marred the opening of the Confed Cup are satisfied that they aren't the only kids on the block and that the committee wasn't impressed with the public transport system. I'd like to hear what they have to say to that. I really would.

The other cause for a small amount of alarm is the strike spreading throughout the medical profession. I have a feeling that this might be a bit of a religion debate. Who is really right? And is it even a question of right or wrong or just perspective? Without a doubt, conditions in government hospitals is shocking. Embarrassing to say the least. The other side of the coin is that public health care systems all over the world, even in long-time first world countries is open to criticism and scrutiny from the public and the media.

The trouble is, now its become a moral debate. Its the Hippocratic oath versus the promise that cash offers. Its probably not far fetched to assume that the government can and have used the Hippocratic oath as a guilt card against striking doctors. Doctors are unfortunately in a position of power on this one though. Government hospitals are suffering and patients are suffering, dying in some cases. South Africans are dying because of the choices of government and doctors. Cause for concern.

I had a look at the Hippocratic Oath, its beautiful, romantic even. A bit like the Bible or some other religious text these days, they're usually awarded merit on literary terms and not the actual message, as if Edgar Allen Poe wrote the Koran or the Old Testament. This is my favourite part of the Hippocratic Oath...I will offer care to all the patients who ask for it. No matter the sex, race, colour, creed or economic status. I will voluntarily offer part of my time for the care of the poor and the under served ones. Sure, just not when the ANC tells me to and does "volunteer" mean a 50% increase?

In my opinion, both parties are wrong. Both are in a position that they feel they cannot budge from but this goes beyond money. Here, I tell you what, throw some money at terminal patients and lets talk again. I don't believe in the health care system in SA, public or private, never have. I don't believe in medical aids either, its like playing a reality TV version of Fear Factor with a cash prize naturally. Can you be a capitalist and a doctor or politician? Seems so. Are those the only options? Apparently. So here's my argument...Above all, do no harm. I think all parties involved could take a lesson from the oath or at the very least, don't promise what you can't deliver.

Strike action has damaged more than just the days markets, its revealed a truth about society in South Africa. A truth that is dipped in aggression and in some cases, blackmail. It also highlights corruption, greed (from both sides) and a lack of creativity/communication skills. Lets rethink our approach shall we? Unions prevent exploitation, capitalism widens the gap, communism doesn't work, anyone can hold the government hostage, the government can't help but have their administration open to scrutiny, and everyone knows nothing scares politicians more than being "transparent" - the Emperor has no clothes applies here.

So whats the verdict from my corner? Forget unions and get the best job in the world like Briton Ben Southall who managed to clinch the "Best Job in the World" - a 6 month contract to act as caretaker/ blogger of a tropical island on Australia's Coast.

Admittedly, the competition was tough, with 35 000 applicants for the job. It seems everybody wants a job where they chill and explore an island off the Great Barrier Reef and then tell people about it on social networking sites and the rest. Briton has officially started work, gruelling first day of swimming and relaxing. However, there was a dispute over his title, they say "caretaker," he says "ambassador" but I doubt many will be affected if he does decide to down mouse and strike.

So there you go, get his job and forget the unions.