Last week, the ministry of public service formally inaugurated a tribunal which will help to solve all kinds of disputes between civil servants. The move is intended to improve on the working relations in the civil service.
The tribunal which is the first of its kind in the country is within the main structure of the negotiation machinery of government and is also set to hear and arbitrate all matters forwarded to it by the minister for public service.
It will make awards or recommendations to government on labour disputes referred to it and secure harmonious labour relations because of its appellant level.
During the launch at the ministry, the minister of public service Muruli Mukasa welcomed the move noting that previous workers had nowhere to run in order to resolve their differences.
He explained that in recent times there has been discontent among government and employees ranging from low pay, sexual harassment among others unfortunately nothing has been done to resolve such differences.
He also noted that the institution of the public tribunal will address disputes and create harmony between the worrying parties.
“To make awards or recommendations to the government or labour disputes refer to it and secure harmonious labour relationships in the public services,“ he said.
He also said the existence of the tribunal will offer an opportunity to employees to file their grievances. The tribunal is composed of eight members headed by the retired judge Justice Vicent Rwamisazi Kagaba.
He assured the members that they are very ready to get started and deliver to their best.
“We have been tried, tested and passed you can be assured that we shall deliver,” he said.
He also explained that the tribunal will help workers’ issues, complaints and anything to do with the government be amicably handled.
“Instead of going through industrial court their issues can be handled here and it shows a step in recognizing the public servants as members of trade union,” he added.