Traders Union engages membership on Union Constitutional review validation in Makeni

As part of its mission statement to uphold the true tenets of democracy, the Sierra Leone Traders Union National Executive Council on Thursday, 20^th March, gathered at the Looking-Town Guest house in Makeni to validate their Union’s Constitution shortly after the review of its Constitution in Kenema, east of Sierra Leone barely two weeks ago.

The Traders’ Constitution is guided by a 29 page; and with a growing membership across the country.

Glorious Faith Momodu has been the facilitator for the two day validation session. He admonished that, by virtue of maintaining proper functions of the union in a bid to protect its membership from all forms of political, regional or tribal corrupt influences which could be prejudicial to the ideals and acceptable norms of the Union, he said; the Traders Union aims at promoting the spirit of Trade Unionism in Sierra Leone through improved social, cultural, educational and economic conditions of its membership. It also aims at energizing good working relationship between and among social partners including the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, Local and Municipal Councils and other affiliate trade unions in Sierra Leone. In addition he said, the Union of Traders is also geared and focused on assisting union members in securing better wages/salaries, conditions of work and short working hours regardless of race, gender and persons with disabilities.

Very much concerned he continued; the Union also intends to create a platform of social justice for informal economic workers in the country. And that it vastly encourages the establishment of co-operatives and other economic enterprises for and on behalf of its members operating in the business sector in Sierra Leone.

National Secretary-Aron Boima expressed delight on what he referred to as the ten-years down the drains. He said, none of the branches and divisions have never reported a single cent to the national finance accounts, compared to other sister organizations like the Commercial Motor Bike and Drivers’ Unions which he added, have long far ahead. But moving from informal to the formal and to matching with modern global trends, the Union has never held democratic elections since 2009, and this could be a trying time. It is therefore agreed upon and with passion and readiness to elevating the Union from its shattered bankruptcy and stagnation.

In that light, a recap on the anonymous agreement in Kenema to strengthen what they referred to as monthly subscriptions qualify branches like Kenema, Bo, Kabala, Kono and Makeni of a monthly Le100:000, while Port Loko, Kambia, Tonkolili, Moyamba, Gbangbato, Mile91, Bonthe, Pujehun and Kailahun to a monthly subscription of Le50:000 respectively. National Secretary General-Aaron deliberated on the importance of what he referred to as “saving scheme”. A periodic financial contribution aimed at salvaging by pension/benefit, members who may wish to quit in future after long and active service in the Union.

However, the Union is preparing to hold its democratic elections in the shortest possible time ranging from Presidency to District executive positions. Day-one of the validation exercise ended interactively. Day-two is expected to climax the session with notifications on elections agenda.

To be continued

Alie Mozart

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