Mr. Raila Odinga, former Kenyan prime minister, has pledged to enhance trade union activities in the African region.
His pledge comes against the backdrop of his intention and announcement to contest the African Union (AU) Chairmanship position.
The former prime minister spoke at the 45th General Council Meeting of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), which was held in Accra, Ghana, on the theme: “Strengthening the Role of Trade Unions for Advancing Social Justice for Everyone.”
The prospective AU Chairperson outlined his vision for the Union, stating that he would prioritize the creation of decent jobs, the reduction of poverty, and the enhancement of workers’ welfare.
“I plan to work with the continent’s leaders to ensure that these goals are not just aspirations but realities. I plan to help our employers make it easier, not harder, for workers to join unions and for workers and employers to come to the table to resolve disputes.
I plan to work with governments, the private sector, and workers to strengthen labor laws and work on ways to ensure contractors or workers who can’t join unions are provided with new avenues to push for their welfare and rights,“ he said.
Mr. Raila Odinga pledged to prioritize the revival of the African Union Social Affairs Commission.
He said the commission must regain its prominence in fostering social dialogue among workers, employers, and governments.
The former prime minister of Kenya said when elected as AU chairperson, he would work hand in hand with OATUU to advance the rights and welfare of workers.
He pledged to strengthen partnerships, amplify solidarity, and ensure that workers’ rights remain central to Africa’s development agenda.
The prospective AU Chairperson said Africa was stuck in debt, noting that the continent could not overlook the burden of unsustainable external debt.
He said such a challenge on workers stifles growth, increases unemployment, and exacerbates inequalities.
Mr. Odinga said he intended to work with African leaders to chart a path that reduced overreliance on external funding.
He urged African leaders to ensure that workers were actively engaged in matters of finance and debt.
Dr. Francis Atwoli, President of OATTU, urged union leaders to advocate for social justice in their respective countries.
He urged the union leaders to work towards building a society that ensured equality and inclusion as it remained a key to sustainable development.
The President said it was against the backdrop of social justice that the OATTU and its affiliate support the International Labour Organisation (ILO)-led multi-sectoral initiative of the global coalition for social justice.
Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress (Ghana), reminded the union heads of the immense challenges facing African workers.
“The scourge of poverty, inequality, and exploitation continues to afflict our communities. Climate change, precarious work, and limited access to social protections threaten the very fabric of our societies. Yet, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a better future for all,” he said.
He urged the union heads to ensure that all workers enjoyed safe working conditions, fair compensation, and social protections.
The Secretary General asserted that the union leaders must also ensure equitable economic growth by promoting sustainable development that benefited all, not just a privileged few.
Source: GNA
The post Raila Odinga vows to revitalize trade union activities across Africa appeared first on Ghana Business News.
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