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Africa & Arab Countries Young workers unite to build union power across Africa & Arab Countries
Over 40 young workers from PSI-member unions across the Africa and Arab Countries region have launched a Young Workers Education and Mentorship Program (YEMP) to build power through unions.
Daniel Oberko
The sessions will be facilitated by activists, seasoned union leaders and other experts. The twelve annual sessions will be open to young workers in the region, with a special focus on the leaders of young workers' committees of affiliates.
Through twelve sessions of political education focused on skills development, political economy and global issues, young comrades will develop their capacity to lead shop floor campaigns, strengthen union structures and advance workers' interests. The program combines the battle-tested experience of veteran organizers with the militant energy of young workers.
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PSI-affiliated unions have launched an innovative Young Workers Education and Mentorship Program (YEMP) with over 40 young workers from the Africa and Arab Countries region.
Launch of the Young Workers Education and Mentorship Program
Launching the program, PSI Vice President Peters Adeyemi, with the support of his co-chair Comrade Ritta Thandeka, said the program will strengthen union structures, campaigns, and activities. "Ultimately, this will be the next generation of trade union leaders in Africa and the Arab countries. This has been a long-awaited dream," Adeyemi said.
Comrade Adeyemi committed that his union, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), will sponsor the first year of the YEMP and host the next young workers conference for 2025.
Also in attendance were General Secretaries, deputies and chairpersons of unions from across the region, deputy general secretary of FORSA Ireland Michael Kerrigan, and the Central Regional Minister of Ghana, Hon. Justina Marigold Assan. The occasion was also graced by traditional leaders of Cape Coast led by Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area.
The conference was sponsored by FORSA and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG).
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Young trade unionists from Africa and Arab countries united under the theme "Young workers strengthening the trade union movement" during a conference which aligned with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The conference, jointly sponsored by FORSA and the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), demonstrated the emerging leadership role of young workers in advocating for safer, more respectful workplaces, particularly as eight African nations have already ratified the crucial ILO Convention 190.