Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has urged trade unions representing workers in Kenya's water sector to amalgamate for stronger bargaining power. He warned that divisions among the unions were weakening employees' bargaining power and could expose them to exploitation. Atwoli emphasized the importance of unity, stating that it would help workers secure better working conditions and protect their rights.
Atwoli made these remarks while addressing workers at Nairobi Water, commending the management for supporting trade union activities. He urged employees to reciprocate this support by improving their performance and ensuring their workplaces benefited from a stable labour-management relationship. The COTU boss noted that the fragmentation of workers into different unions was particularly concerning in the water sector, where several unions claimed to represent employees.
According to Atwoli, there are currently about three unions claiming leadership in water management or water institutions in Kenya. He argued that these divisions had weakened workers' collective approach to labour issues and contributed to industrial disharmony. Atwoli emphasized that unity among workers would enable them to present a common front in defending their rights and improving their welfare.
The COTU secretary-general linked workers' unity to the broader fight against poverty, describing economic hardship as one of the major challenges facing employees. He stated that an injured worker is an injury to all and that poverty was a significant concern. Atwoli urged workers to strengthen cooperation at their workplaces, arguing that a united workforce would be better placed to protect its rights while maintaining productive relations with management.
Atwoli praised unionist Bruno, whom he described as experienced in modern industrial relations and capable of helping advance unity among workers in the water sector. He appealed to union officials, the Delegates Committee, and COTU to support efforts to bring the unions together and establish a stronger organisation capable of representing workers across the water sector.
The COTU boss maintained that stronger cooperation among unions would give workers a common front in defending their rights and improving their welfare. He emphasized that united, workers would be able to resist exploitation and achieve better working conditions. Atwoli's call for unity among water sector unions comes at a time when workers are facing significant challenges, including poverty and industrial disharmony.
Atwoli's remarks highlight the need for workers in the water sector to present a united front in their dealings with management and government. His call for unity is aimed at promoting workers' rights and improving their welfare. The success of his efforts will depend on the level of support he receives from union officials, workers, and other stakeholders in the water sector.
Key points
- Francis Atwoli calls for unity among water sector unions to strengthen bargaining power.
- The fragmentation of workers into different unions has weakened their collective approach to labour issues.
- Unity among workers is crucial in the fight against poverty and achieving better working conditions.
