THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS absolutely essential that contract workers in the civil service be added to the voice of the trade union movement, in pursuit of social justice and economic development for this category of the national workforce.
For quite sometime now I have been voicing my concern for those workers since they play an essential and integral role in the development of the nation. It is of fundamental importance that appropriate legislation be drafted so as to ensure that they are adequately protected in an organisation.
Globalisation has changed the world, as a consequence employment on contract is the norm. However, we cannot stand by and allow this process to undermine the fundamental rights of the workers. When someone is employed on contract that person's right can be easily compromised on the grounds of personal indifference despite his or her academic skills and competence.
If we are not careful corporate globalisation will substantially erode the strength of the trade union movement.
As a consequence of the process the unions must devise workable and implementable strategies to ensure equity, fairness, and job security and justice for all categories of workers.
I am, etc.,
NEVILLE ATKINSON J.P.
18 Wattley Avenue
Kingston 10
