African Trade Unions are asking countries who have signed the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), to drive workers’ welfare in the pursuit of successful implementation, to cut the increasing labour migration
This was further advocated at a 2-day workshop in Abuja, under the organisation of Trade Unions in Africa (OTUWA), and the International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC) Africa, at which late AIT’s Labour correspondent, Rosemary Mohogbone Wilkey was honoured.
The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) policy came into effect in March 2018 during the 10th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU), but Africa Trade Unions remain unsatisfied for failure of the agreement to properly mainstream their welfare.
President of the organisation of Trade Unions of West Africa, OTUWA, Sophie Kourouma who spoke in French language at a 2-day meeting of over 100 Trade Unions, said it is expedient for workers to be active participants in the implementation process of the AfCFTA at national, regional and continental levels because of increased poverty, inequalities and the transition to the new world of work.
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Sophie’s presentation is complimented by that of the OTUWA Executive Secretary, John Odah
For the General Secretary of the International Trade Unions Confederation (ITUC-Africa), Joel Odigie, the speculations that workers in the sub-region were not favourably disposed to AfCFTA policy is false.
He said that, while the policy would boost trade among the sub regional countries, it failed to inculcate the interest of the workforce, which will drive the process.
The African Trade Unions used the opportunity to mourn and honour late AIT’s Labour correspondent, Rosemary Mohogbone Wilkey, who they describe as “Africa’s Mama Labour”.
Rosemary died on January 25, 2024 after a brief illness.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
