Not all explosions in the workplace are loud. Some begin in silence-with withheld words, lowered gazes, and quietly brewing frustration. It often starts when employees feel their voices are going unheard. Trust, once slowly built over time, begins to erode. And a department meant to champion people-Human Resources-gradually becomes a distant authority figure focused on rules, not relationships.
This article stems from years of experience with worker organisations, management forums, and the evolving dynamics between industry and labour. I’ve learnt that industrial unrest rarely begins with conflict-it begins with disconnection.
Let’s face the truth: IR strikes only when HR fails.
When workers resort to protest, it’s rarely just about wages or hours. It’s a cry born out of feeling unseen, unheard, and uncared for.
The Crisis Beneath the Surface
The real crisis often isn’t visible in the initial complaints. What manifests as a union demand or a tool-down strike is usually the final chapter of a...
