Permit me to enquire as to why 15 million of tax payers' dollars have been allocated for a few trade unions from a budget that we were told is a difficult one.
As I firstly understand it, this money will not be evenly distributed to all trade unions but to a few. Where is the equity in this move?
Secondly, if it is for education purposes, why can those who seek education within the union seek funding through the GATE programme or the many scholarships that have been retained under the new policies. Union leaders are also entitled to fund their education the same way many of the workers they represent do–through hard work and their own purse.
The trade union movement is expected to maintain some degree of independence to serve the workers they represent. However, pre-election we had trade unions campaigning strongly against the now opposition, demanding that they want their money "right now," and post election, with a difficult budget being read where workers will feel some strain, they have gone silent. They have also taken post new administration to attacking politicians and business people, rather than voice the needs of the workers.
I am therefore left to question, are the allocated funds to a few labour unions payback for the months of recent past? Or is it that their silent voices have been bought out for the difficult months ahead when tough decisions are expected to be made that can affect the lives of all citizens, especially workers?
I am left to wonder if this is a good sign for a our democracy.
Vedavid Manick