This week, once again a disturbing story emerged within the media, which has ignited the relationship between politics and sport. The story revolved around the claim by the leader of Unite, the UK’s biggest union, that workers may strike during the 2012 Olympics. Clearly this would cause absolute turmoil and chaotic scenes as the capital struggles to retain normality and functionability at a time when it is flooded with visitors experiencing the spectacle that it is the Olympic Games.
The word that seems to keep reoccurring regarding this story is that if the actions were followed through it would be unpatriotic of all those who went on strike. To me, patriotism is all about pride, and having a sense of satisfaction and pleasure to be associated with your home country. I think every individual wants to feel a sense of pride in themselves, particularly Brits, and these alleged actions could not remove a feeling of pride any further from an individual. How could you feel satisfied and proud of your actions if you knew that at a time when your city is being scrutinised globally, it was struggling, or even failing, to meet the needs of those who are trying to enjoy the Games. I would feel more embarrassment and shame than anything else. Ruining an event people have waited six years to come to fruition, one that people may be fortunate enough to witness first-hand just once in their lifetime. How is striking beneficial during a time like this?
When the Olympics are hosted well, they are a fantastic event and can create a lasting longevity for many people who are involved or interacting with the event. Sydney is a fabulous example. I was fortunate enough to visit their Olympic Park about four months ago, it was spectacular. It still looked pristine, with the facilities being used by members of the public – young and old. Commercial success is still being accomplished, whilst there are monuments that provide permanent memories of the events that unfolded there. If London’s Olympic Park is operating as well as Sydney’s in eleven, twelve years on from now, then we should continue to be grateful and appreciative that we are holding the Olympics in our country. It will demonstrate that a legacy can be achieved, showing that the Olympics can be spectacular after the main show is over as well as during the weeks when we are entertained by the world’s best athletes.
It is good that all the major politicians have come out and been damning of this alleged proposal by Unite. Admittedly they have all been supportive of a British Olympics, but their scathing attack has ensured that the politicians will do their utmost to ensure such a disgraceful act does not occur. Labour are the biggest players in this respect, due to the funding they provide Unite, so their criticism of the potential proposal is a positive move. With the general public being unsupportive of any action during this time as well, you could describe it as selfish, unrighteous behaviour of the unions if they declared any action. If anything, it would probably lead to the unions losing more public support and backing than earning any, which is surely the complete opposite effect that they are searching for?
What needs to be noted though is that sources told the BBC that they were unaware of any plans currently in place for any strike action. Arguably then, you could say the leader used this opportunity to gain more publicity for public sector workers and has just made the claim as a threat if the union becomes severely disgruntled any time soon. The fact that London has the Olympics and therefore needs to be functioning perfectly during this time period, just provides the unions the opportunity to ruin everything for everyone else in making a stance that will lead to turmoil. What also needs to be noted is that, even if unions did decide to strike, individuals would still have the choice on whether they participate in the strike action or not. I would therefore hope that if strike action was announced, people’s better judgement and pride would come to the fore and they would still attend work and try to help London produce one of, if not the best, Olympic Games the world has ever witnessed.
This post has unfortunately therefore been more politically charged than sporting discussion. However, the connotations are massive if such a move ever emerged. The celebrations that Britain displayed after being awarded the Games, along with the efficiency and desire during the preparation period can only be commended. It would only be a shame and result in a negative portrayal of London’s capabilities to host a major sporting event if all of this hard work was undone by the decision of some ungrateful individuals. People who are far too obsessed with themselves and their own stature within life, rather than looking at the implications and adverse effects their decision-making capabilities will have on the country as a whole. Thankfully, the uproar the comments seem to have caused will cause Unite to have serious contemplations about announcing any strike work during the time of the Olympics. Maybe, it will be a time when some people see how their time and services can be appreciated and recognised by a means that is not necessarily monetary, or at least at a worth it might normally be valued. Let us hope public sector workers want to work during this party because they too want to be a part of it. I am proud to be British. I am overjoyed we are hosting the Olympics. I now want the rest of the world to see why we’re not just Britain, but that we are Great Britain!
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