Omar Faruk Osman: “The ratification of ILO core Conventions means a lot for the Workers of Somalia”

Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, General Secretary of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU)

ACTRAV INFO: Your country has ratified several ILO core Conventions particularly Conventions 87 and 98. What do these ratifications mean for Somali workers?

This ratification means a lot for the workers of Somalia. Through these ratifications, the government has sent an important message to the workers and the international community, demonstrating its political leadership and the importance attached to fundamental human rights values, by being on the side of millions of working men and women of Somalia.

By ratifying these conventions, Somali workers were given the legal right to organize and bargain collectively in conformity with the ILO core labour standards. It means that all national laws must be in conformity with these standards. Their implementation will guaranteed the protection of the workers’ right to freedom of association, which is the basis of democratic right and achievement of decent work in the country.

I must say that due to the historic past in our country many people were sceptical towards the campaign carried out by FESTU and others towards these ratifications. But on 20th March 2014 the World was surprised when Somalia ratified these conventions as part of its transition to democratic governance.

We must recognise that FESTU and its affiliated unions were politically supported, advised, encouraged and guided by the International Trade Union Confederation and its regional organization in Africa (ITUC-Africa) throughout the campaign and lobbying process that led to the ratification of these conventions.

ACTRAV INFO: What will be the role of trade unions in the implementation of these Conventions?

Trade unions have an important role with regard to the implementations of all ILO labour standards. ILO Conventions on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise (No. 87), Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining (No. 98) are the bedrock of the operations of trade unions since they guarantee effective recognition of representative, independent and democratic trade unions. This is essential for promoting industrial harmony and the avoidance of labour management conflicts, and thereby improving the economic performance of the country.

Somali people are tired of conflicts and need social harmony in order to be able to make progress. If there is a need for social peace, then trade unions have an undeniable role and we are committed to play our part. We are setting out plans with regard to the implementation of the conventions with employers and the government, but more so with the ILO, ITUC and ITUC-Africa. It should be recalled that for 41 years the concept of trade unionism in our country was non-existent, where we had the rule of guns in lieu of rule of law, where workers were oppressed and abused indescribably.

While dangerous and abusive forces who misrepresent the government still exist, we are confident that our movement will continue.

ACTRAV INFO: The Prime Minister of Somalia and the ILO Regional Director for Africa recently signed a Decent Work Country Programme. Have the social partners (Trade Unions and Employer Federations) been involved?

We were involved in the consultations and preparations of the decent work programme. FESTU took part in the consultative meetings in Garowe, Mogadishu, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. We strongly supported the signing of the programme during the Prime Minister’s visit. A week before the visit, FESTU knew that these ratifications would take place and the decent work programme would be signed in Geneva. We are proud of the fact that decent work programme was prepared with our participation. I believe that this is also the case with the employers who were involved in this process.

ACTRAV INFO: Do you think that social dialogue could be a key to improve workers situation in Somalia?

Unquestionably social dialogue is a sure way to foster social and economic progress. Our unions need negotiations, consultations and information sharing with employers and the government, and this is the best way that trade unions can promote and protect workers’ interests and rights.