PSA first vice president challenges Duke for leadership

PUBLIC Services Association (PSA) head Watson Duke will face a challenge in the union’s upcoming election from none other than his first vice president, Ian Murray.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Murray said that for the November 23 polls, he has withdrawn his support from Duke and his Game Changers team. Murray announced his own team, Labour Warriors.

Murray said he was a member of the PSA for 38 years. In 2011 he had joined the executive, which was then in discord, to try to ensure peace and stability in the union.

“During the past nine years, I have served the membership with integrity, respect and professionalism,” Murray related.

“The current state of the PSA leaves much to be desired, particularly in the areas of transparency and accountability.”

He alleged the PSA leader in recent times has displayed “disrespectful, self-serving and irresponsible” behaviour which had hurt the union’s image.

“This situation is untenable and must not continue.”

Murray said now was the time for collective action to foster good governance, healing and unity.

“You are therefore called upon to rescue this noble association, which has been plunged into the dark abyss.

“Consequently, like-minded members and myself have taken the decision to contest the national executive elections of the PSA.

"The decision was not taken lightly and was the result of careful deliberation and prayer over a 30 month period.”

He said the Labour Warriors, made up of a diverse group of individuals, will aim to restore the PSA to its former glory and empower the union’s internal organs.

“As such, special emphasis will be placed on the proper functioning of the General Council and the Conference of Delegates in the decision-making process.

“I, therefore, ask for your support in this endeavour as we the Labour Warriors commit to service before self.”