This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
With economic challenges on the rise, trade unions are facing intense pressure from employers seeking to weaken their influence. This trend is not new, as some companies have long discouraged new recruits from joining unions, believing it will help cut labour costs.
However, despite the decline of trade unions' influence since the early 1960s, some remain committed to protecting workers' rights and enhancing their welfare.
Against this backdrop, the recent 42nd general council meeting of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) in Nairobi took on significant importance. The meeting highlighted the crucial role trade unions and employers' associations play in determining workers' welfare.
As African Union Special Envoy for Infrastructure Raila Odinga noted, better relations between employers and workers are essential for achieving economic development on the continent.
Industrial peace is unlikely to be achieved without the cooperation of both parties. Employers can reap the best returns on their investments by prioritizing workers' welfare, including paying decent wages and improving working conditions.
Boosting investment in industry and agriculture will create more jobs, benefiting workers and employers alike. To achieve this, unions must partner with employers, avoiding unrealistic demands that hinder industrial peace and stability.
The collective bargaining system has been a valuable tool in harmonizing workers' demands with employers' ability to pay, promoting industrial peace and stability. Continental solidarity provides a platform for unions to share experiences and knowledge on tackling labour challenges.
