Atwoli faces pressure as trade union leaders meet CS Mutua

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) finds itself under renewed pressure as 12 trade unions recently met with Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, to discuss the future of the workforce in light of technological advancements.

In a move that could create tension with Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Dr. Mutua has proposed regulating trade unions to address ongoing labor challenges in an era of change.

Although he did not name specific individuals, Mutua emphasized the need for trade unions to adapt to evolving circumstances, highlighting the lack of representation for online workers as an example.

His comments came just before Atwoli's planned meeting with shop stewards, which is set to lead into next week's Labour Day celebrations.

Mutua stressed that his goal was not to micromanage the unions but to establish a fair environment for all parties involved. He emphasised the need for transparent, forward-thinking discussions on issues like strikes and public complaints.

"The time has come for us to discuss how we move forward," Mutua stated.

"There should be a clear framework for engagement. Often, especially during strikes, people blame the government. We want future engagements to be straightforward, without assumptions."

He pointed out that the government often bears the brunt of public discontent, even when unions may be at fault. He called for conversations on issues such as wage deductions, term limits for union officials, and the creation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).

Mutua made these remarks after meeting with the unions, who had petitioned him over the challenges facing workers.

The unions warned that workers are increasingly under threat from a variety of issues undermining their well-being.

"These challenges range from stagnant wages and job insecurity to the absence of essential benefits, creating a climate of vulnerability," the unions stated in their petition.

They further expressed concern over new challenges brought on by rapid technological changes and shifting social dynamics, complicating the already difficult situation for workers.

The unions highlighted persistent issues such as low wages that do not keep up with rising living costs, hazardous working conditions, and widespread exploitation, which diminishes dignity and self-worth.

Unions present at the meeting included the Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut), Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA), Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

Others are the Kenya Hotel and Allied Workers Union (KHAWU), Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS), Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), County Government Workers Union (CGWU), Banking Insurance and Finance Union (BIFU), and Kenya Management Staff Union (KMSU), among others.

In a clear departure from COTU's traditional role as a lobbyist on behalf of workers, the unions presented six key grievances to Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, demanding immediate attention.

Among their primary concerns was the poor implementation and enforcement of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). The unions called for urgent measures to streamline dispute resolution processes and ensure compliance with these agreements.

"The need for mechanisms to expedite dispute resolution and enforce compliance is critical," the unions stated in a joint communiqué.

They also expressed dissatisfaction with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), accusing it of undermining the autonomy of employer-union negotiations and diluting the impact of CBAs.

The unions requested Mutua’s intervention to facilitate dialogue between the SRC and public sector unions to foster a more productive working relationship.