Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli was on December 4, elected as the chairman as well as the spokesperson of the Africa Workers Group, an amalgam of various labour groups in the continent.
In a report on People Daily, Atwoli was unanimously elected during the 14th International Labour Organisation (ILO) African region meeting that is was held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Speaking during the forum, the President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Brussels Ayubba described Atwoli as a distinguished labour leader who for a long time exhibited commitment and dedication.
“He has demonstrated passion for the ideals of the working men and women and whose fight for social justice remains unmatched,” remarked Ayubba as quoted by People Daily.
The firebrand labour rights advocate appreciated the confidence that the delegates had bestowed on him, giving a promise of servant leadership to workers bodies in the continent.
“I remain committed to fighting for social justice for working men and women on the continent and beyond,” remarked Atwoli.
In June 2014, Atwoli was elected as a titular member of the International Labour Organisation, which is the highest Body of the International Labour Office, during the 103rd session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Atwoli was first elected to COTU in 2001 and has since held on to his position to date.
COTU has been in place since its inception in 1965 after the disbandment of the Kenya Federation of Labour and the African Workers’ Congress.
According to the organisation's website, 32 labour organisations out of a total of 42 in the country operate under COTU with a subscription of over 1.5 million workers.
