Ba Town Council’s Turmoil: Will New Leadership Resolve Ongoing Strikes?

Moshim Khan, the special administrator of Ba Town Council, has firmly rejected allegations of intimidation and interference raised by council workers who recently initiated a strike. The workers’ protest stemmed from issues like unauthorized salary deductions and unmet promises regarding a 10% pay raise during Khan’s time as acting CEO.

Khan countered the workers’ claims, asserting there was no evidence to substantiate the accusations. He highlighted the lack of prior complaints about these matters and described the strike as surprising, noting that neither the union nor the workers offered any notification beforehand.

The roots of the protest may be linked to Khan’s earlier directive concerning the use of council facilities for union meetings. He stated that the union’s requests for complimentary access to venues and paid time off for attendance did not align with labor regulations.

Furthermore, Khan pointed out that a previous proposal for salary increases had been rejected by the union. He revealed plans to back-pay workers starting January 1, 2025, provided there was approval from the union. He referenced memoranda that demonstrate a discrepancy between the union’s previous positions and their current demands expressed during the strike.

In response to the unfolding situation, Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa appointed Manjula Devi as the new acting CEO. This decision is seen as a move toward proactive leadership, which could help streamline council operations and effectively address employee grievances. Following Devi’s appointment, there are signs that workers may return to their duties, signaling a positive shift in efforts to resolve ongoing tensions within the council.

This situation at the Ba Town Council highlights the essential need for open communication and cooperative relationships between management and staff. The introduction of a new acting CEO underscores a commitment to improving workplace dynamics, potentially leading to better service delivery and working conditions in the future. There is optimism that these changes will promote a more collaborative and effective governance model for the Ba community.