MTUC delegates should vote for those with a proven track record
The challenges faced by trade union leaders in the country to be independent, resourceful and brave are daunting, though not new.
Former MTUC leaders such as Dr. V. David, Ahmad Nor, Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud and A.H. Ponniah, to name a few, had constantly and consistently stood up for the rights of workers and the institution of trade unionism.
Thus, the SDC is no ordinary delegates' conference as office bearers are elected.
This time, delegates must ensure history does not repeat itself when teams are formed before the MTUC elections, often consisting of strange bedfellows who were elected almost wholly or predominantly into office.
Once at the helm, a split within the leadership happens - first insidiously and then openly. The main activity of the MTUC then becomes leaders fighting among one another. The people who pay the price are the low-income workers in the country.
Thus, when the delegates cast their votes at the upcoming SDC, they would do well to not vote along team lines. Votes should be cast in favour of those who can best do the job.
By that I mean those who have a track record of doing productive trade union work – advocating for changes in policies and legislation, increasing the membership of their unions through organising efforts, fiercely engaging in collective bargaining and not flinching or compromising when members have been wronged or unjustly treated.
MTUC will be better served if the delegates elect office bearers who are from different teams, or, for that matter, who are standing for elections without presenting themselves as part of any team.
The leadership which has caused the current dysfunction of the MTUC, where their selfish interests were placed ahead of those of the workers, should be rejected by the delegates. If they are elected again, we can only expect history to repeat itself.
I believe that the MTUC, through the mature decision of its delegates in the coming SDC, will be resurrected to its rightful place and serve as the bastion of workers' rights in the country.
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