He has displayed extraordinary character as a leader of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu).
Francis Atwoli, in his 23rd year as secretary-general, Kotu, appears to be facing opposition in what his supporters see as an elaborate plan by the government to downsize him.
of Sunday Nation We have reached out to the leadership of the Kenya Congress of Trade Unions (Tuku Ke) led by Nyatike MP Tom Odege (Chairman) and Dr. Charles Mukwaya (Secretary General) to hold the event in parallel with the Labor Day event. I knew they were making plans. The Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) is trying to compete with the Uhuru Gardens event hosted by Atwoli.
“I urge Kenyans to ignore those who are calling on social media for workers to attend other events on May 1. Those who oppose Kotu do not understand the structure of trade unions. They don’t have anyone to negotiate on behalf of the workers,” he said.
“I have no doubts about him (President Ruto). He has kept his promises since he was elected and has supported us over the years.”
The effort to hold parallel Labor Day events mirrors events in 2012, when at least five major public employee unions registered an umbrella group to oppose Cotu.
Kenya Civil Service Union leaders joined forces with the Kenya National Union of Teachers, the Kenya Primary School Teachers Union and the University Teachers Union to remove Kotu.
The University Non-Teaching Workers' Union was also the representative of a new organization called the Public Employees' Union (Pusetu).
Pusetu was aiming to take over Kotu slots in a number of statutory bodies, including the Salary and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
They argued that non-public officials had no right to represent them.
Twelve years on, the onslaught against Kotu and Atwoli appears to be gaining momentum.
After failing to persuade Tuc-Ke officials to attend Wednesday's KICC celebrations, the organization has asked corporate members of the Kenya Congress of Trade Unions (Tuco) to participate in the parallel Labor Day celebrations at KICC. I sent an invitation to the meeting.
Dr. Mukwaya distanced Mr. Tuke from Tuco's activities.
well-structured organs
“Tuc-Ke has a well-structured organ. Its decisions are not based on personal weaknesses, but are made through agreements, resolutions, or mutual agreements. Therefore, Mr. Tuc-Ke “We have no intention of holding parallel Labor Day celebrations,” Dr Mukwaya said.
“Tuc-Ke respects Labor Day as an international day for workers to celebrate their achievements, collectively plan ways and means to meet challenges, and discuss challenges. Kenyan workers We face challenges that require collective and concerted efforts.We therefore do not support parallelism or divisiveness in issues of labor and workers' welfare. , in accordance with the guidance of Cotu-K and the International Labor Organization (ILO).”
By yesterday, it was not clear whether the Tuco team, which has two conveners, Newton Hamasi and United Progressive Alliance Party chairperson Nyambega Gisesa, had secured a KICC venue for the event.
This was announced by KICC management. Sunday Nation Atwoli said he had booked a spot for Kotu's luncheon after the May 1st celebration.
“We focus on providing a platform for our employees to voice their opinions. The Uhuru Gardens event is a one-man show,” Kamasi said.
“It was a celebration of Mr. Atwoli, not a workers' event.”
Gisesa said Tuco would use the Labor Day celebrations “to wake up Kenyan workers to the reality that Atwoli no longer represents their interests.”
He said Senator Eddy Okech Migori, the architect of the Labor Relations (Amendment) Bill 2024 which introduces term limits for officers of trade unions, employers' associations and federations, was invited to the KICC event.
Mr Atwoli is in trouble following a decision by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to stop the deduction and remittance of security guards' union dues contributions to Kotu.
private security services
Authorities have launched an investigation into the recovery and use of funds transferred to Cotu by a private security company.
Atwoli blamed PSRA chief executive Fazle Mohammed for being behind his woes and said he could not stop his momentum.
PSRA is a state-owned company tasked with providing the regulatory framework for private security services and providing a forum for cooperation between industry and government security agencies.
Analysts say the Interior Ministry-based authority cannot make such decisions without the government's knowledge.
Mr Mohamed said the PSRA had begun a forensic audit of the funds submitted to Kotu “following numerous complaints from private security personnel”.
He added that the decision aims to protect the welfare and rights of more than 1.3 million security personnel.
PSRA said investigations had confirmed that private security personnel were making significant contributions to Kotu, amounting to billions of shillings.
Last week, authorities required companies to submit a list of private security guard union dues deductions and remittances to Cotu over the past 36 months, as well as financial correspondence between companies and their umbrella unions regarding deductions and remittances. instructed.
Atwoli opposes the term limits bill, calling it ill-conceived and regressive. He argues that such proposals run counter to the principles of free and independent trade unions advocated by the ILO.
The bill, which will be tabled for first reading in the Senate, is sponsored by Migori Senator Eddie Okech.
term of office
“The principal purpose of this bill is to provide for the terms of office of officers of trade unions, employer organizations, and federations and registration requirements for trade unions,” the bill states.
However, Atwoli said the trade union is an essential, free and independent organization representing the interests of workers, and that it operates in accordance with its constitution.
PSRA's move to order the immediate suspension of deductions and remittances of private security personnel's union dues contributions to Kotu has already been met with resistance from the Kenya National Private Security Workers' Union (KNPSWU).
KNPSWU Secretary-General Isaac Andabwa, who is also a member of the Kotu Board of Directors, said while the intention and spirit of the regulator (PSRA) may have been sincere, there were communication and procedural deficiencies that needed to be addressed.
“This communication has no legal jurisdiction. The Cabinet Minister of Labor has the sole authority to issue sector-specific legal notifications, with reference to Official Gazette Notification No. 6912 of the Labor Relations Act (No. 14 of 2007). is in charge of
In a letter to the Civil Security Bureau, Andabwa said: “We have received numerous complaints from employers, employees and stakeholders regarding the escalation of this communication, which has caused confusion and quagmire in the industry and labor movement in the country. “I am receiving this,” he said. provider. He confirmed that the union is affiliated with Cotu.
