Moral Courage

Moral Courage

 

 

 

Moral courage is so rare it is like the light-house in the storm you glimpse it through the crashing waves very infrequently and far far away. In this storm of crushing adversity its light is an infrequent visitor.

I have lived a life longer than most younger than some. I have travelled far and wide more than most not as much as some. I have worked in places more than most not as much as some. I have seen the light of moral courage a little and have marvelled at its simple strength and ability to change people, things and situations from what it might have been. People are inspired by it for in many ways it defies logic, rationality and self.

For a person to put themselves in harm’s way for a cause or another person when they have the choice not to and when  there is no reward but only the possibility of sanction and hardship is indeed for most of us hard to fathom. This is why it is so rare, why it struggles to be glimpsed in the sea of life with all its perils.

This week I have been amazed at the situation I find myself in for the light of Moral Courage has not only lit my way it has blinded me and made me feel like I was in a safe harbour. It was normal good people doing amazing acts of Moral Courage.

Kris        Very experienced radiographer only with us for four months still on probation but already marked down for advancement and has the potential to be anything. I warned him that he did not have to take this Protected Industrial Action as he may be targeted. He shrugged it off saying “this is too important for my mates here for me to worry about my situation” (Or words to those affect) He was locked out of his work place after the action.

Christian              Young Nuclear Medicine Technician likable and very talented again on probation and again a person who has the ability and energy to be a great asset to any work place. Christian joined us in our Protected Industrial Action (I did not know he was still on probation at the time) even though he is from a small section within a much bigger department and does not work  closely with the bulk of the work force he was supporting. He was locked out of his workplace after the action.

An          Supervisor Magnetic Radiation Imaging long standing employee of senior status recognised throughout the workplace as a person of outstanding ability in her field and her gentle caring and considerate ways to staff and clients. Locked out for taking Protected Industrial Action as above. Hearing and reading An’s statements since has taught me many things about moral courage. Her stoicism and simple resolve to carry on with no animosity or spite to those that have done this to her is almost supernatural in its strength and inspiring in its style.

Maureen             My wife of forty years. I can still feel her strength and resolve as she held me close after I told her I was locked out of the workplace I loved to be at. Her words and constant encouragement have supported me and kept me going through these last few dark days. She supports me no matter what and holds no bitterness to those who have done this. She is amazing.

Gerard                  Young CT Radiographer from another site also Locked out after taking protected Industrial Action the day after our site. I did not know Gerard and have spoken to him only once on a phone conference. His simple words of power about the effect this is having on him and his young family were truly heart wrenching but showed a remarkable strength of character and resolve to carry on. Again his non animosity to anyone involved is remarkable in the circumstances and shows a very generous heart.

Scott                      Fellow union delegate, senior radiographer supervisor of CT, MRI radiographer at the same site as Gerard which followed in Protected Industrial Action the day after our site. Scott is well known in the industry not only for his technical expertise but for his championing of his fellow workers conditions and rights. A larger than life character great to have sitting across the delegates table from you. Scott did one of the most courageous acts of selflessness and courage I have ever seen, organising and maintaining the action at his site with the almost certain knowledge that he would be Locked Out with all that it entails after it. Rare courage indeed! Scott was Locked Out  after the Protected Industrial Action.

It is humbling to know and to enjoy the company of such normal, talented people doing outstandingly courageous things and actions. I am in awe of their ability to not be spiteful or vindictive to those who have imposed this thing on them. I hope that they are vindicated and have long years of outstanding service and prosperous careers in a company that cares for them.

I know that they are resolved to follow this through, the courage and fortitude they have shown thus far would not indicate anything less.

Someone once said “There is no greater service that a man can give than to lay down his life for his fellow man.” These people have put their careers, wellbeing and lives on the line for us! We can do nothing but return the favour.

The dark sea of perils stretches far ahead, the light from the Light House guiding us on and giving us the courage to follow its path. Thank you-Kris, Christian, An, Maureen, Gerard, and Scott.

 

 

John Condliffe is a union delegate at a large Medical Imaging department at a big Hospital in Victoria.

15.3.14

 

Moral courage is the courage to take action for moral reasons despite the risk of adverse consequences.^[1]