Last week I attended my first rally as a union member. The energy was palpable and the sense of unity undeniable. We gathered to protest the recent return-to-office order, an edict that has far-reaching negative implications for many of us. This rally was about standing up for our collective well-being and highlighting the importance of solidarity among workers in an era that prioritizes individualist benefits.
The return-to-office mandate brings too many challenges for employees. For some, the daily commute means being stuck in traffic for hours each week, adding stress and cutting into valuable personal time. Parents are forced to navigate childcare logistics, often incurring significant expenses. The office environment, with its noise and distractions, hampers productivity, contradicting the very purpose of our work.
As I stood among my colleagues, Emile Durkheim’s concept of organic solidarity crossed my mind. Unlike mechanical solidarity, which thrives on sameness and shared traditions, organic solidarity is built on the interdependence of individuals performing specialized roles. Our workplace is a microcosm of this complex structure. We are not interchangeable cogs but individuals with unique skills, needs, and circumstances. Our collective protest underscores our reliance on each other to maintain a productive environment.
The return-to-office order disrupts this balance. It imposes a level of uniformity on a diverse workforce, ignoring the specialized roles and personal circumstances that make our collaboration effective. The rally was an expression of our interdependence, as we came together to assert that our diverse needs and roles must be respected.
Participating in the rally also prompted me to question who truly benefits from the return-to-office order. The narrative that in-person work boosts productivity seems increasingly outdated, especially when weighed against the personal costs to employees. So, who benefits from having us waste time in traffic? Who benefits from having us waste money on gas and parking? Who benefits from reducing our productivity?
In light of these questions, our protest was a call for a more enlightened approach to work. By acknowledging the varied and specialized contributions of each employee, we can create a more effective workplace, aligned with the principles of respect and clarity of reasoning. As adults and a highly educated workforce, the minimum we expect is a logical rationale for an action that will bring negative consequences for us.
Attending my first rally also reminded me of the importance of being an advocate. Advocacy is a crucial aspect of professional development, embodying both personal growth and a commitment to collective well-being. Learning to advocate for oneself and others shows maturity, reflecting an understanding of one’s rights and responsibilities within a professional setting. It empowers individuals to voice their needs and concerns, fostering a work environment that is fair, supportive, and conducive to productivity. Advocacy helps address immediate challenges and drives systemic changes, promoting policies and practices that benefit the entire community.
As we chanted and marched, I felt a deep sense of pride and purpose. We were not just fighting for our immediate needs but advocating for a broader recognition of our roles as interconnected individuals in a complex system. This rally strengthened our union and the enduring relevance of solidarity in our quest for a supportive work environment.
I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 