PHILIPSBURG--Ashma Berkel has resigned from the board of the Workers Institute for Organized Labour Association (WIFOL), effective October 1, saying she can no longer see eye to eye with the association’s new president.
Berkel was elected as a board member during a congress on September 17, at which Joanice David Richardson was elected president, replacing Theophilus Thompson. Elton Jones and Berkel were elected as board members. Berkel’s resignation took effect on October 1, leaving only two members on the executive board.
The former WIFOL President Theophilus Thopson last week filed an injunction via his attorney Cor Merx, challenging the September 17 election of WIFOL’s new executive board. The dispute surrounding the leadership change subsequently escalated, with seasoned trade unionist, educator and former union leader Claire Elshot questioning the legitimacy of the new board and calling for the board to be annulled. Elshot also raised questions about the interruption of a financial audit and access to documents needed by the auditor.
