Workers and their organizations an important force in national, continental and global struggles for peace, development, human dignity and social justice: Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of Political Affairs of PFDJ

In a paper he presented to participants of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity symposium, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of the Political Affairs of the PFDJ, said that workers and all working people and their organizations, particularly trade unions are an important force in national, continental and global struggles for peace, development, human dignity and social justice.

Asmara, 24 February- In a paper he presented to participants of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity symposium, Mr. Yemane Gebreab, Head of the Political Affairs of the PFDJ, said that workers and all working people and their organizations, particularly trade unions are an important force in national, continental and global struggles for peace, development, human dignity and social justice.

He further indicated that trade unions built over centuries of worker’s struggle at one time a formidable and influential political, economic, social and cultural force has been in decline due to external interferences, and that has been the outcome of the unprecedented inequality, inequality of both power and wealth, and lack of organization and power of workers.

Mr. Yemane also explained that in order to realize the rights and dignity of workers and all working people requires positive, fundamental change at national, continental and global level, and that workers rights cannot be assured in nations that are beholden to foreign powers and routinely flout the rights and interests of citizens, in countries that are racked by violent, sectarian conflicts.

Furthermore he stressed that at the Africa level and at the international level the workers struggle must aim at ensuring that the natural resources benefit first and foremost the African people, and to realize that they must struggle for clean, competent and effective governments that serve their people, region and continent and not themselves and their external patrons.

Likewise, Mr. Yemane stated that for workers to play a key and crucial role in this broad social movement for positive change, they need, not just reform, but to rebuilt their organizations and the trade union movements, and that this requires a clear vision, a well thought out program, a determined effort and strong solidarity and unity.

In a concluding remark Mr. Yemane noted that as to Eritrea, the people and Government, People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, the National Confederation of Workers, the youth, women and professional associations are ready to shoulder the responsibilities and make a modest contribution to the African and global effort for a world of dignity for all.

The Organization of African Trade Union Unity symposium continued today, February 24.