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Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - Web posted at 7:00:08 GMT Opposition targets labour unions BRIGITTE WEIDLICHTRADE unions in Namibia should take their responsibilities towards their members more seriously, as workers belonging to a trade union are currently better off than those who don't, an opposition Member of Parliament has said. |
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Elma Dienda of the Congress of Democrats (CoD) tabled a motion in Parliament last week, requesting the House to discuss the role of trade unions in the country. "Labour unions sometimes lose track with their members although their prime function is looking after workers' rights; they do not inform members about their rights before they sign employment contracts," Dienda said. "Many workers have lost their jobs as a result of strike activities and through no fault of their own, while employment criteria often go beyond skills and abilities, the most common criterion which prevails is political affiliation," the CoD Member alleged. "It is a waste of money and energy to belong to a trade union; they are not there for the workers and are not monitoring Government, parastatals or private companies with regard to workers' rights," Dienda added. "Companies do not comply with affirmative action, are taking Government and trade unions for a ride and we allow them to do so," she added, citing the example of the Malaysian textile firm Ramatex, which only agreed last week to pay its workers some benefits. Dienda proposed that trade unions should establish a fund to support members financially during a strike. The debate on the motion will start this week. |
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