Your Views: Are protests a hiding to nothing?

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With job cuts announcements growing in number daily and people scared to answer their phones for fear of getting ‘the call’ how can disgruntled employees voice their opinions?

In last week’s newsletter, in light of lobbying outside HP's London headquarters, we asked you whether protests ever really achieve change. Given this week’s wildcat refinery strikes (where technology is being used to spread the word), this issue is likely to stay in the spotlight for some time to come.

Here’s what you had to say...

“Sadly I do not think peaceful protests will work for much longer, yes they say they are listening, but really they are just paying lip service to the situation, so that it seems like they (the business, or government) care to avoid any public embarrassment for their company or the government,” said Paul before making a worrying prediction that “Most people know this; and as scary as it will be, I believe things are going to turn very ugly in this country soon.”

He added: “It is no good Brown smugly saying "striking is indefensible", people in the real world are worried whether they can put food on their families table, not everyone has a safe paid job and a golden pension to fall back on.”

Roger drew on personal experience to voice his opinion. “It seems that unions "only" represent their members. Bit partisan perhaps? Or put another way, they make doubly sure they don't represent (or work to help) non-members.”

He continued: “As a contractor, I don't feel a lot of sympathy for employees - especially as I have been made "redundant" twice.”

“Protests are good for drawing attention to an issue but unless it is an enormous gathering or a consistent (and large) protest it is quickly forgotten,” added another Paul.

“The demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in London has gone on for several years and although honourable hasn't changed anything because most often there's between one to five people keeping silent vigil. Remember that the UK had a large demonstration against the Iraq war in London that didn't work. Don't stop protesting but other avenues need to be explored as well .... The media is the best route to get the issue spread.”

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