The railroads are shut down in Canada due to failure of the corporations and the unions to come to an agreement.  As a result, the radio has nonstop talk shows where everyone gets to take a side and condemn the other side.  I can tell that most people are relieved to have a pure “good guys vs. bad guys” conflict, whichever side they take.

Here’s what I hear with my cynical ear:  …

Wait… first I have to define my terms and reveal my axioms:

Our society is built on the premise that it is the duty of all corporations and the right of all individuals to expect a profit in their transactions.  I define a profit as a transaction in which you invest in something and get back more than you invested.   For the sake of argument I will measure all investments in dollars, understanding that there is bound to be disagreement about the dollar value of most intangibles (like an hour’s work or a decent meal or safety on the job).  Nevertheless, those who make such investments have a right to get back more than they put in — that’s what we believe in hereabouts.

So… what I hear is the corporations saying, “We need to get more work out of our employees than we pay them for.  That’s the only way we can turn a profit!” and the workers saying, “We need more pay for our work.  We don’t care about your corporate profits!”  Meanwhile, all the “innocent bystanders” whose lives are affected by the strike are saying, “I need those services and goods to make a profit in my small business.  I don’t care about the unions or the corporations!”  So basically we all agree: “More for me!  Screw you!”

I don’t think there are any “good guys” in this confrontation.  It’s just another battle for a bigger share.

(24 Aug 2024)