A vocal Kenyan medic on June 7, called out the Belarus Government during the International Labour Conference (ILC) for not honoring its promises to the world.
In a statement, Dr Davji Atellah, who is also the Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), emphasized the importance of the conference which brings leaders together to discuss issues such as protecting workers from health risks and improving working conditions in the care sector.
During the conference, he noted that they discussed about the urgent need to support the right to form associations freely in Belarus.
“For over 20 years, the Belarusian government has failed to honor its international commitments, dissolving independent trade unions and persecuting activists,” reads part of the post.
He added that this led to breaking independent trade unions and punishing activists.
Dr Atellah also noted the importance of supporting friends in Belarus, adding that It’s vital to stand together to protect workers’ rights globally, even here in Kenya.
“As a representative from Kenya workers, I emphasize that standing in solidarity with our Belarusian brothers and sisters is crucial, ” he said.
Additionally, he underscored the need to hold accountable those who violate rules to ensuring fair treatment for all workers.
Attellah is a household name in Kenya. He led doctors to down their tools for 56 days before the union brokered a deal with the government.
“We had a long meeting today with the National Advisory Council which is the highest decision-making organ and they endorsed that we sign this return-to-work formula today so that it can pave the way for doctors to return to work within 24 hours from now,” said Dr Attellah on May 8 after calling off the strike.
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Atwoli Calls for Reforms
Earlier, Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on his part called for a renewal of the social contract to rebuild trust and social cohesion.
“COTU Kenya welcomes the Director General’s report which proposes a renewal of social contract being a pillar that we have all along relied on it in the pursuit of the promise made in declaration of Philadelphia 10th of May 1994,” he said.
Atwoli emphasized that having a strong and forward-thinking agreement between society and its people is crucial for fair and peaceful communities.
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He explained that the social contract was created to fight poverty, promote inclusion, create jobs, and encourage people to take responsibility for their society. Atwoli highlighted that social dialogue has been a reliable tool over the years, helping overcome many challenges in labor relations.
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Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli. PHOTO/ Atwoli/X
