By Daniel Bakalangudde.
Sports State Minister and Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi has called on young workers to reclaim their voices and demand for safer work places by exposing all forms of harassment and discrimination at work place.
He said the youth are a critical force in the development of any society, but added that the reason why trade unions are mentoring and empowering young workers is to prepare them for their destiny.
“Trade unions are mentoring and empowering young workers to prepare them for their destiny so that they become forces of social economical change,”. he said.
The Minister was opening a – five day global young workers camp in Jinja organized by Amalgamated Transport and Allied General Workers Union (ATGWU) with support from international transport federation under the theme, “Who are we in the world of work”.
“It is important that the youth are raised to become socially responsible citizens. Unions need young workers to be their driving force for the future since young people are not leaders for tomorrow but for today”, he said.
National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) Chairman General Mr Wilson Usher Owere reiterated the trade unions’ commitment of giving the young workers the support they deserve as they prepare to take over.
“ As trade unions we shall identify potential leaders, mentor and guide them progressively as we prepare them for biggest tasks,” he said,
He said the transport union intervention in empowering young workers will help in increasing the ability of the Ministry of Gender and Labour in supervision and protecting workers’ rights.
ATGWU General Secretary Mr Stephen Abima said challenges that affect the well being of the young workers necessitated need for an organized platform to debate and take action on pertinent issues.
He said the union is committed to making efforts that ensure young workers are safe and protected from discrimination, exploitation and human rights violations at their workplace.
Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Margaret Rwabushaija Namubiru urged the young workers to discover themselves, train in skills so that they are marketable to the world of work
” Majority of the youth fail to break through in life just because they have not discovered themselves. You must plan how you can exploit skills and ensure you are an asset and the sky should be the limit,” She said.
The Legislator advised young people to use the “SWOT” analysis as they discover their strength, and weaknesses so that they are in position to take up opportunities.
“Use the “SWOT” analysis as you discover your strength, and weaknesses so that you are in position to take up opportunities,” she said.
The young workers representatives from various unions believe in the power of building a network for young workers to lead campaigns in organizing through capacity building, occupational, safety and health, plus education at workplaces.
The youth camp attracted over 100 participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Croatia■
