作者： admin

Trade unions rely heavily on the dedication of volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and expertise without financial compensation. These individuals are driven by a commitment to advancing the collective interests of workers, focusing on advocacy, member support, and recruitment. Guided by the core values of mutuality and reciprocity, they strive to foster positive changes in workplaces and communities. Their involvement not only benefits the union but also provides personal growth opportunities, such as skill development, confidence building, and networking. However, the integrity of the union depends on volunteers who are genuinely committed to the cause, rather than those seeking personal gain. Volunteers often serve as shop stewards, representing members within workplaces, and are elected or appointed through democratic processes. Leadership roles are similarly filled by individuals chosen by the membership, who operate under the union’s constitution and regulations. While volunteers are not financially compensated, they may receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses or stipends. It is crucial to distinguish between volunteers and paid staff, ensuring that volunteers complement rather than replace salaried employees, especially during industrial disputes. Training and resources should be provided to support volunteers, and their needs must be considered in the union’s annual budget. The tireless efforts of these unsung heroes are invaluable, as they work behind the scenes to create a more just and equitable society.

In a compelling call to action, the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) has urged governments across the 56-nation Commonwealth to place disability inclusion and accessibility at the forefront of their agenda during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua in 2026. This appeal comes as advocates highlight the persistent inequalities faced by over 430 million disabled individuals within the Commonwealth, a group of predominantly former British colonies. Richard Rieser, General Secretary of the CDPF, emphasized the need for full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which 55 of the 56 Commonwealth nations, including Barbados, have ratified. While Barbados has made strides with its new Persons with Disabilities Act, many Caribbean nations and other regions within the Commonwealth still lack robust frameworks for disability rights. Rieser stressed the urgency of adopting a Disability Inclusion Action Plan at the 2026 summit, ensuring disability becomes a clear priority in the Commonwealth’s agenda. Currently, disability issues are notably absent from the Commonwealth’s five-year plan. The Antigua summit will mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, yet millions of disabled individuals continue to face barriers to equal access in education, health, employment, and housing. Rieser called on governments to revisit their commitments and collaborate across the Commonwealth to turn these promises into reality. He also highlighted the importance of public awareness and education to shift societal perceptions of disability, urging employers to recognize the value of hiring disabled individuals. Kerry-Ann Ifill, CDPF Vice-Chair, underscored the need for genuine leadership from Commonwealth governments, recalling the exclusion faced by disabled participants at the 2022 CHOGM in Rwanda. She emphasized that inclusion is a right, not charity, and called for systemic accessibility in schools, workplaces, transportation, and government buildings. Rieser also praised initiatives like the regional youth leadership training in Barbados, which empowered young advocates to push for disability inclusion in their respective countries. He criticized the Commonwealth’s tokenistic approach to disability issues, urging fair and equitable treatment for all.