By Clement Wangira.
Majority of the young people joining the labour market have less knowledge on their labour rights and have less ability to defend violation of their labour rights
Public Service International is now mentoring young trade union leaders from public service unions by building their skills and competences to represent others and advocate for their labour rights as the
Public Service International Sub Regional Secretary for English speaking Africa Dr Everline Akechi said the mentorship program aims at building the capacity of young workers’ leaders to be part of the decision-making process in their respective unions..
The workers’ activist called on trade union leaders to encourage young people to join labour unions and mentor them progressively into leadership positions .
Dr Akechi advised the young workers leaders to develop the culture of transparency and accountability by being responsible to their members
Sister Nabunya Specius Katende of Uganda Public Employees Union emphasized the need to organize young workers in the trade union movement by giving them strategic positions under the trade union structures.
She said: ” The union gives young leaders the channels through which to address and voice their issues.”
Under the mentoring program experienced trade union leaders are given opportunity to share knowledge, trade union experience, achievements and transfer their knowledge and experience to the younger workers leaders.
National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI) General Secretary Mr.Musa okello said young workers’ involvement in trade unions must be supported at local, national and regional levels. He said Trade unions should invest in the development of young trade union leaders to further strengthen trade union movements and security. “The voice of youth should be heard and be reflected in the trade union activities,” he said. Uganda Public Employees Union (UPEU) Chairperson Ms. Agatha Namirembe said the mentoring Program encourages young female unionists not only to make a contribution to strengthen youth participation but also involvement in trade union activities.
“Mentoring helps young workers in their trade union’s political development and helps getting more new or less experienced activists involved in their Union. “Learn from other senior trade unionists and network among yourselves,” she said.
Uganda Medical Workers Union General Secretary Mr Aggrey Sanya said the mentoring program will help the young trade unionists thrive progressively over time.
‘’The trainings will enable seasoned trade union leaders to transfer vast knowledge and experience to younger workers and activists,” he said.
Globally, participation in trade unions particularly by young people and especially by young women is already low and even decreasing. year by year.
The UNI Global Youth encourage all trade unions to identify, groom and mentor young members into taking over leadership positions in future by giving them experience and chance to prove themselves.■
