McDowall: Charges are without merit

Confirming his receipt of a notice of no confidence against him, President of the National Union of Public Workers Akanni McDowall is adamant that the charges laid are “without merit”.

 

In a video posted via social media to NUPW members, he claimed that this, the second such motion to be filed against him in a month, was “politically motivated” coming on the heels of salary negotiations.

“There is sufficient evidence to believe that this, like the previous attempt to remove me is politically motivated. I believe that this is a deliberate attempt to sully my reputation, distract me from the important task of representing workers’ rights and the real focus of the constituents we represent. This is especially concerning since the union under my leadership has not reneged on its obligations of all workers. The challenges made are without merit and I have evidence to refute each one,” Mcdowall said.

 

Defending his one-year stewardship, he urged members to attend today’s special meeting where the charges against him will be heard and a vote made to determine whether or not he remains at the helm of the island’s largest public sector bargaining agent.

 

“I will continue to fight this motion just as I would continue as mandated to fight for improved terms and condition, including a salary increase and for the rights of workers with more determination than ever. Your confidence in me was not misplaced,” he added.

 

The first no confidence motion, brought against him at the beginning of last month, was squashed as some of the 50 signatures required for filing the document were illegible and therefore could not be considered valid.