By Clement Wangira.
Workers Member of Parliament Hon. Byakatonda Abudulah has unveiled two double cabin pick-ups to support trade unions in strengthening organizing and recruitment campaigns.
The vehicles are to support the two Trade Union centers of National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) and Central Organization of Free Trade Unions (COFTU) in mobilizing and recruitment of trade union members.
Workers Member of Parliament Hon Abdulhu Byakatonda told the Workers Eye that the resources are being specially mobilized for the purpose of developing sustained recruitment.
“The resources are being specially mobilized for the purpose of developing sustained recruitment,” he said.
He said the issue of organizing and recruitment was top on his campaign manifesto because the future strength of trade unions in the country centers on the union leadership ability to prioritize organizing and recruitment processes that attracts more workers to join trade unions.
The legislator has warned that Trade Unions will no longer exist as mass membership organizations unless unions recruit new young members in considerable numbers.
He said :” Unions must address the challenges of members, new forms of employment, unfavorable economic policies and non-recognition of worker organizations by employers”.
Hon Byakatonda said one key indicator of a strong union is a growing membership base,
“I have donated the two double cabin pickups for the Labour Unions to improve locomotion a key challenge in mobilization and recruitment,” he said.
The newly elected legislator said trade unions have the obligation to continually educate members about its mission, as well as its expectation from the membership.
“Unions need to routinely encourage members to get involved in union activities such as recruiting and campaigns,” he said. But additionally, the union needs to keep members updated, informed and involved in the decisions that affect both parties.
Byakatonda urged trade union leaders to be more innovative to match the ever increasing work place challenges that undermine workers’ rights. “Innovation is required to properly address old and new workplace challenges, create a culture of innovation and be consistent in finding new opportunities and approaches, he advised,” he said.
Trade unions are organizations created by employees for the purpose of representing the rights and interests of employees and for the case of Uganda they include all registered labour unions at the commencement of the Labour Unions, 2006.
Trade unions have several responsibilities to their members.
The responsibilities include bargaining for better wages and conditions of employment; nurturing the worker and employer relationships; facilitating collective actions; developing new demands; providing assistance during disputes and grievances processes and improving the standard of living of members and their families.
Unions must address the challenges of members, new forms of employment, unfavorable economic policies and non-recognition of worker organizations by employers.
Trade union leaders and workers have applauded Hon Byakatonda for being a man of action and for delivering two double cabin pickups to workers■
