Union song keeps the faith

29th October 2010, 1:00am

Share

Union song keeps the faith

https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/union-song-keeps-faith

I was astonished to read in the editorial last week that Joseph Lee believed that the smash hit Bon Jovi single Livin’ On A Prayer was anti- union (October 22). This is far from the truth. A different explanation of the opening lines is that the union is on strike because many workers, such as Tommy, have been sacked. This may be an appropriate strategy to adopt as a last resort when dealing with employers who are laying off workers without following recognised procedures. We could, of course, question in FE Focus whether it is wise for Tommy and Gina to rely so fervently on the power of love and hand-holding rather than considering the possibility of re-training - although it is difficult to mock a man who has had to pawn his beloved “six-string” in order to make ends meet.

Both Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora (guitarist and co-writer) are well- known Democratic party supporters. Furthermore, Bon Jovi has been quoted as saying that the song was written in response to Ronald Reagan’s trickle-down economic policies. As both a trade union member and a Bon Jovi fan, I feel compelled to reclaim the song for the labour movement (even if many in the movement might be happier if I didn’t).

Gareth Young, Redditch, Worcestershire.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

  • Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
  • Exclusive subscriber-only stories
  • Award-winning email newsletters
Nothing found
Recent
Most read
Most shared