Author: Michael Mugwanga
Date: November 24, 2006
Type of article: Business News
Source: The Daily Nation - only available online by registration and paid subscription fee

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African workers will push for improved terms of service during the forthcoming World Social Congress.

They would agitate for a decent work environment and better relations with employers. 

Leaders from the labour movement across the continent have been meeting in Nairobi to plan for the congress scheduled for January 20- 25 next year in the city.

Trade unions 

The leaders, who included Mr Andrew Kailembo of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions in Africa (ICFTU-Afro), Mr Andrien Akoute of the Democratic Organisation of African Workers and Trade Unions (Doawtu) and Mr Hassan Sunmonu of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (Oatuu), agreed that African workers would attend the talks with the "Decent Work" agenda.

The unionists hosted by Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli, promised to inform the more than 200,000 delegates that it was not enough just to create employment but the jobs should be of acceptable quality.
In a statement read by Mr Kailembo, the unionists identified components of decent work as protection of rights, employment, social protection and social dialogue.

They also announced that the controversy surrounding preparations for the congress had been ironed out.
A group had accused the organisers of soliciting funds and diverting them to their pockets.

Cotu had claimed that although the workers were at the heart of the January meeting, they had been sidelined by Sodnet Africa, a local NGO.

Cotu chairman Rajabu Mwondi accused the organisation of locking out other stakeholders and challenged it to open its doors for consultations.

"The World Social Forum's anti-capitalist and neo-liberal globalisation agenda carries with it workers' aspirations and it will be a futile exercise for anybody to dare believe that such an event could be organised, planned and executed without its core subjects," said Mr Mwondi.  

Debate ideas 

But Mr Atwoli yesterday said the differences had been resolved and a coordination committee set up to manage the process.

The forum first held in 2001, is an open meeting of civil society groups and social movements to share experiences, debate ideas and build networks. 

It is a valuable platform for highlighting the Trade for People Campaign and building the global movement for justice in trade. This will be the first time the conference will be held in Africa.