From: Yared Tesfay (ytmn2@yahoo.co.uk)
Date: Sat Aug 29 2009 - 08:19:38 EDT
Mes selamta
Yared Tesfay
Interview
With Mr. Tekeste Baire,
Secretary General of the NCEW,
On the Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the inaugural ceremony of the
NAEW National Association of Eritrean Workers
21-25 November 2009 Asmara
Could you tell us about the historical background of the National Association
of Eritrean workers?
The history and the details are too long, however, to put it in a nutshell, during the struggle for independence Eritreans inside the country and abroad were contributing a lot for our Liberation Front. Beyond the financial and political input, many joined the Front and sacrificed their lives. Those who were under the colonizers were also sending classified information in addition to their political, financial and material support. It was under these circumstances from 21-25 November 1979 that the National Assocation of Eritrean Workers (NAEW) was founded under the umbrella of the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) in the liberation territory.
Where did the inaugural conference take place? How did you carry out the election? And who was the first chairman of the NAEW?
The conference was held in Arag Sahel. The electoral system was democratic. For instance, nominees were scrutinized by throughly discussing their strength and weakness, and Mr. Woldemichael Abraha, presently Minister of Transport and Communication, was the first chairman-elect of the National Assocation of Eritrean Workers (NAEW).
Could you describe the organizational structure of the NAEW?
On the 25th of November 1979 during the inaugural conference the following structure was adopted i.e. from top to bottom General Assembly, Executive Committee, Districts, Branches and Unit.
What was the main objective of the NAEW? Was there any constitution? Who was the highest authoritative body?
Thirteen points are clearly stated in Chapter 2 Article 3 of the constitution adopted in 1979. In short, to fight against the colonizers, to protect the rights of workers, to foster relations with international workers associations are some of them. And the highest legal authoritative body was the General Assembly which was elected by the representatives of NAEW of regions and the executive committee.
What did the emblem of the NAEW symbolize?
Had it been in the form of image it would have been more vivid. Anyway, the logo of the NAEW had three symbols. Hammer, Circular... olive leaf in the center and on the boundary on the right side and on the left side there were nine bullets pointing outwards and it has a star on top.
What was the criterion to be a member of the NAEW?
If we look at Chapter 3 Article 4.5 in the constitution, in order for a person to be a member of the NAEW, he/she has to be 18 and above without discrimination of sex, must be a worker in any institution, has to recognize the political program of the EPLF, a volunteer who would like to take part in NAEW frontage, a person who respects and makes every effort to implement resolutions adopted by the EPLF and the NAEW and a person who pays his/her monthly fee regularly.
Were the leaders of the NAEW regularly involved in the tasks of the Association?
No, they weren't. At that time, there was bitter struggle econimically, politically and a lot of sacrifice on the war front as well. Thus, members were performing their duties alongside the armed struggle. You might be a leader of the Association, but you might take part in war and die on the war front. That was part of life. However, there were some high-ranking members who were performing their duty on regular basis.
How was women's participation in the NAEW?
The majority of members of the NAEW were particularly women workers. These members were the ones who provided their unrelenting support to strengthen the Association financially. Without their active participation festivities and ceremonies that were conducted wouldn't have taken place.
Where and when are you going to celebrate the inaugural ceremony? And why did you choose the 30th anniversary?
We were thinking of celebrating the inaugural ceremony for some time. However, due to so various reasons, we couldn't make it. Now that the right time has come, we are preparing to celebrate it with great enthusiasm. According to our plan, the celebration will be conducted from 21-25 of November 2009.
What exactly is the theme and the significance of the celebration? In what manner are you going to celebrate it? And what will be the role of the society in general and the responsibility of organizations in particular?
The anniversary is part of the history of the Eritrean people. That's why we have been involved in planning and preparing in order to make the celebration really colorful. Not only members of NAEW but also those who contributed directly or indirectly in the struggle for our independence are going to be invited. Friends and allies of the armed struggle for independence will be invited. Seminars, art exhibition, cultural performance and scripts depicting the NAEW would also be presented.
Could you explain some of the achievements and chalenges of the last 30 years of the NAEW?
The NAEW had many challenges. And this was obvious because Eritrea was under colonial rule. For example, those who were under the non-liberated areas were facing many challenges such as obstruction from forming workers association, free speech, defending their legal rights... etc.
And because of these and others, almost all their activities were carried out in secret. Similarly, Eritrean workers abroad were facing similar problems. It was difficult to maintain and ensure their legal rights. Those who were using Ethiopian passports were equally encountering a lot of harassment and intimidation on the part of the Ethiopian embassies abroad when ever they tried to renew their passports.
When you speak of workers, whom does it encompass in actuality?
This is clearly sated in the Proclamation No. 118/2001 and Labour Law article 3(1). A 'worker' means a person who provides physical or intellectual job based on certain terms of agreement for specified or unspecified period on the basis of salary or wage.
Is there any other responsible body in organizing the workers for their legal rights at the workplace other than the workers association?
No, never. It is clearly stated in the Labour Law No. 118/2001 and international labour organization as well. This is not an issue to be discussed. There could be one or more than one workers association in a given country, The International Labor Organization (ILO) also permits to do so. Of course, each country tries to choose a suitable option based on its objective situation. However, the primary goal of the organization is to protect the legal rights of workers and their well-being.
If you look at the organizational structure of the International Labour Oganization, there is workers association, Youth Committee and Women's Committee. Does NCEW adopt the same system?
After examining the importance of these sections, the NCEW adopted a resolution in 2005 and has already incorporated in its organizational structure. As a strategy it is working vigorously in order to upgrade the capacity of women so that they could work equally with men in all spheres. And the section is very vital. Similarly, in order to enable the youth participate in all aspects and become deriving force in the advancement of economic growth the same section is equally vital. What is left now is to analyze the research conducted so far and asses the preparations made regarding infrastructure and translate them into action.
Could you explain the duties and responsibility of workers assocaiton in relation to political nd socio-economic situations?
The workers of any country are the deriving force and the decisive factor of economic, political and social development of any country both individually and collectively. When I say economy I am not referring to the machine or to the investors. It's the workforce that is the key element in production. Beyond the personal and institutional benefit, profit affects the whole nation in terms of income and per capita income. Through export, a given nation can obtain hard currency. Hence, it is the worker who is te backbone of a nation. If we try to ensure the legal rights of workers, to instate equal work among both sexes, to convince government to map out and adopt policies which respect both sexes with discrimination... etc are not only some of the fundamental guidelines but also it raises the issue and discusses it with te concerned parties.
In relation to the aforementioned points what are th roles of the NAEW and NCEW?
As I tried to mention earlier, during the struggle for our independence members of the NAEW were snding financial support on order to strengthen the combatants. There was no any other source. Particularly, the contribution made by women workers will be remembered all the way in history and for generations to come. The medical equipments which the freedom fighters were using during the armed struggle, spare parts for vehicles, stationery and eductional material etc. were provides by Eritrean workers. Side by side with these, Eritrean workers served as ambassadors to the struggle for independence, fought actively and made others fight for the cause and made immense contribution in order to make the struggle win international recognition and secure support worldwide.
How do you visualize the NCEW after 10 years?
Prior to visualizing the future, I think it is better to contemplate on what happened before. NAEW & NCEW jointly encountered termendous challenges and come out victoriously. After 10 years I visualized NCEW which has a large number of workers efficient and effective institution, and NCEW which has strong economy. All in all, I visualize NCEW which plays a greater role for betterment of the society in general and work force in particular.
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