We are refusing to accept Rari’s views and onslaught(s) as those of BOFEPUSU; we hold him individually accountable. For how long should we explain that differing with BOFEPUSU has nothing to do with being in cohorts with the Government? It is grossly unfair to sensationalise issues to fit individual agendas, whenever a differing view comes to the table for debate. There are many issues that we agree with as trade unions, both within and outside BOFEPUSU. Interestingly, when we agree on these issues, we are not labelled to be friends of the BOFEPUSU family.
Amazingly, when we differ on an isolated matter we are labelled friends of the Government. As an example of the many instances, recently, BOFEPUSU took the employer to court on the issue of the unilateral 3% wage increase. The court ruled in favour of BOFEPUSU and ordered that members of BOFEPUSU should not be made party to the 3% salary increase. We have congratulated BOFEPUSU publicly, as we believe in the right to legal fairness. Interestingly, in our support and congratulations to BOFEPUSU, we have not been labelled anti-government. Rari suggests that the only correct thing we shall ever do is to throw away our independent integrity and dance to the BOFEPUSU tune; no matter the unpalatable taste. This is not only grossly selective and unfair; it is equally unjust and counter-revolutionary as it eludes the spirit of debate and engagement. Rari must know that when he perpetuates the untruths that BOPEU is in cohorts with the Government, as has been the case since this whole matter began, he is unfortunately rather confirming that BOFEPUSU is politically aligned. This has been a burning issue since the 2011 civil service strike. We have overtime been very clear that we are not in agreement with aligning trade unionism with political activism. This seems to be a crime to some leaders within BOFEPUSU who are obviously focused on using BOFEPUSU members, its societal standing and its finances for personal political gains. We are aware that some of the BOFEPUSU leaders are already busy getting ready for the 2019 general elections.
