Trade Union Leaders urged to defend workers’ rights

Trade Union Leaders have been urged to focus on defending worker’s rights being their biggest problem.

Arinaitwe Rwakajara the workers member of parliament said this during the closure of a two days training of youth and women trade union leaders that took place at Kalya Courts in Fort portal city organized by National Organization Trade Union.

Rwakajara noted that the most problem is that the leaders do not concentrate on national agenda and reading more about laws defending workers’ rights but only involving in political syndicates.

“We need a generation of leaders with skills and knowledge to defend their fellow workers by building strong membership base that priotizing service and accountability” states Rwakajara

“Focused leaders will help advocate for better working conditions that will help fight merging issues like digitalization that has changed working trends thus leaving many unemployed, climate change disasters among others” Rwakajara adds.

Rwakajara emphasizes that there is need to skill women and youths to contribute to all union issues and action not just those on gender equality.

“Employers and government are more likely to listen if union representatives and members have a sound knowledge of the situation, skills and confidence to negotiate in good faith”, explains Rwakajara.

Juma Mwamula the vice chairperson general for National Organization Trade Union (NATU) advised them to build strong networks, synergies and collaborations with Government, CSOs, NGOs among others to hit their targets.

Mwamula said that since politics decides all key national priorities, there is need to actively participate in political land space by voting in those with proworker voices.

“The other space for workers voice is in politics since politicians make polices and laws that address their right violation including the Employment Act 2006, Labour Unions Act 2008 among others” advises Mwamula.