FESTU General Secretary reported on the situation of the fledging independent trade union movement in Somalia and the working condition of Somalia’s working class. Osman expressed his appreciation of the support and good working relationship between FESTU and the ILO.

Among other issues, ILO Director General and FESTU General Secretary discussed decent work programme for Somalia, application of international labour standards including core conventions ratified by Somalia, plight of Somali migrant workers, suppression of freedoms of association and expression in Somalia and safety of workers.

FESTU General Secretary reemphasized the need to put decent job creation at the center of Somalia’s recovery and sustainable development.

"Somalia is going through a transformation, and the logic of this transformation requires the role of Somali workers and their unions in sound labour-management relationship, upgrading of skill level of workforce to participate in the new economy and capacity building of unions to enforce at least conducive working conditions and dignified wages for the workers” said Osman.

Pursuing smooth relationships and greater collaboration between the ILO and FESTU, General Secretary Osman met Ms Maria Helena Andre, Director of ILO Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) to strengthen FESTU affiliated unions as representative, independent and democratic trade unions and to enable them to play their role effectively in protecting workers' rights and interests and in providing effective services to working class.

A significant part of Osman’s agenda was devoted to expanding and consolidating relationships with the ILO’s constituents particularly trade union movement in Africa, Arab world, Europe and Americas, ahead of major solidarity conference for Somali trade unions.

In a landmark address to the ILO conference in this week, Osman will call for international efforts to help build a better future for Somalia and highlighted the problems Somali trade unions and workers are facing.

"We would like to see international solidarity that would strengthen the peace building and democratization process by prompting social and economic progress that is beneficial to all Somalis” said Osman.

FESTU is a Member of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and African Regional Organisation of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUCAfrica)

National Secretariat

Federation of Somali Trade Unions - FESTU

Address: KM5 Area, Madina District, Mogadishu, Somalia.

Website: www.festu.org | e-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +262615994077 / +252695994077

Fax: +252-1-850013