ADDIS ABABA – Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions told The Ethiopian Herald that competing political parties of the country have not been heeding due concern to pressing issues of the workers though this segment make up a significant majority.
The remark came as Confederation’s President Kassahun Follo spoke with The Ethiopian Herald on the confederation’s activities with regard to election and other current issues.
Until now, no political party has been coming up with policies that would ease the burden of workers and improve their living standards. The confederation has long been engaged in preparing platforms for discussions and no political party was interested to take part, Kassahun added.
Workers are from all ethnic groups, sex and ages, however, political parties have paid little attentions to the issues of workers. There are myriads of issues where workers are concerned including minimum wage, the right to organize and improved working condition. It will then be up to the people to cast their ballot to the parties they trust, according to the President.
“In the modern world, the issue of workers is at the forefront of political parties and political debates, but in our country, the concern of workers has received little attentions from political parties.”
“We believe workers know to whom they should cast their vote to; party which they think will stand for their rights and improved lives. One of our engagements will be to sensitize people on their rights of voting and other democratic rights.”
Kassahun said, “citizens of the country must decide on how their country should be run by voting to their favorites. The Union does not have the mandate and right to endorse any of the political parties, what we will do is that to make sure the people exercise their rights.”
The Ethiopian Herald, Friday Edition, January 31/2020
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
