Rev. Devere Murrell, at the NUPW’s annual church service, made reference to allegations of vote buying in the last General Election, in the context where that union would be going to the polls on April 3, 2013 to elect a new executive. I understand his concerns but I think that his message would have been lost on NUPW President Walter Maloney. After all, where would Maloney find the money to bribe anyone? I would therefore like to suggest to Rev. Murrell that he need not worry on that score.
If Maloney had any money, I do believe that he would have avoided embarrassment and paid his $6,000 cellular phone bill; his substantial NUPW bar bill; and he would not have found himself in trouble with the union’s credit card. In this regard, I am therefore tempted to vouch for Maloney when it comes to any hint of vote buying.
On the other hand, Rev. Murrell should have concerned himself more with the obvious political bias emanating from the union. After hearing the positions taken by Maloney on national and particularly workers’ issues; anyone could be forgiven if they erroneously concluded that the NUPW policy script is being written at George Street.
Also while giving advice, Rev. Murrell should have advised the media to be fair to both sides in the presidential race, or ask them to stay to hell out of the process. The last time NUPW members went to the polls, Maloney was given preferential treatment in the campaign by the media particularly CBC. It is therefore not difficult to conclude that Maloney and his team had the Government’s backing based on how CBC manipulated the news in their favour.
This election will be crucial in the labour relations environment in this country. Government would most likely to be happy if the leadership of the NUPW remains unchanged. The union refuses to challenge them on any issue. For example, the Employment Rights Act, which would protect the workers at statutory boards, has been passed since May 2012 but has not been brought into force to date. NUPW has not said a word on the issue. It should not be in the Union’s interest to remain silent on issues that adversely affect its membership, but it has. Instead the Union found time to engage the Opposition on the privatisation issue.
It is time that the NUPW moves away from party politics and pay attention to its mission of representing workers. Under current leadership, it does NOT appear that its mission is a priority.
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