Over the last six years there have been a concerted attempt to weaken the trade union movement in particular the Public Workers Union (PWU).
The trend to hire workers on contract under the 340 vote, constant refusal to regularise contract and unestablished workers, and attacks on the leadership of the union are some of the recent actions taken in that regard.
The arrogant, dismissive posture and high level of disrespect meted out to public officers by government, is a key element of this strategy.
Over the years outside forces who are pushing for the demise of the union have sought to insert persons onto the Executive to create chaos and further undermine the organisation. To date, their efforts have failed, however energised by how close they came last time, the anti-union forces have sprung another plot.
This time they have elicited the services of a ‘spoiler’ to draw votes away from the incumbent President thus giving the ‘Trojan Horse’ who was beaten last time an opportunity to win. The spoiler has a weak demeanour and lacks fight. How can he lead the union?
The other challenger is on a secret mission to cause the downfall of the union. The Trojan Horse beholden to those who want to weaken the union has already started to undermine the organisation. How can you undercut the strategy of the army, of which you are supposed to be a soldier on the battle field in the heat of battle?
The union’s position ratified by workers is to give government until June to pay the salary increase that was agreed and signed over a year ago. In return, government will regularise the scores of contract and unestablished workers some of them in that precarious employment situation for over twenty years.
However, the pompous one with an ego as large as a breadfruit must show his true colours by proposing an alternate strategy, asking government to set a date when they will pay the salary increase. What if government indicates it is going to make the payment two or three years from now?
The Trojan Horse comments echoes that of one of his handlers, an ardent supporter of those who wish to cause the downfall of the union.
Workers, this is the most consequential election of our time, and you should vote wisely. Workers must not be fooled by the Trojan Horse and his political hatchet men who are determined to infiltrate and destroy the union. Inspite of her perceived shortcoming, Sis Rachel has been in the forefront leading the struggle for workers’ rights and benefits from Nawasa, TAMCC, and the pension matter.
She led the fight that resulted in the four percent salary increase that government has now refused to pay, and is advancing the fight for regularisation of contract and unestablished workers. In the face of personal victimisation and attack, Sis Rachel continues to fight for workers. Attempts by outside forces allied with reactionaries on the current executive have not daunted her spirit as she continue to struggle on.
Workers, don’t be fooled, don’t allow the reactionary forces to get control of the union, so vote wisely, vote for Sis Rachel, a tried and proven leader.
Observant Former Public Servant