The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) secretary general, Francis Atwoli, on Wednesday, June 7 praised President William Ruto's treatment of Kenyan workers at a conference in Geneva Switzerland.
Atwoli emphasised his trust in Ruto noting that the Head of State vowed to defend the workers and improve their welfare in the country.
"We are encouraged by the current Kenya administration to gazette the new members on the National Labour Board," Atwoli stated.
President Ruto appointed Atwoli to the board on May 5, 2023, alongside Jacqueline Mugo, Michael Macharia, George Masese, Ernest Nadome, Rose Omamo, Daisy Wanja Njiru, and Areba Omwoyo Samba.
As a member, the COTU boss will advise the Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore on all matters concerning employment and labour relations.
Also, the board may conduct any investigation as it may consider necessary and research into labour, economic and social policy.
At the International Labour Conference (ILC), Atwoli challenged the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to stop interfering with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) processes.
"We wish to call upon the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to desist from interfering with free and independent collective bargaining as enshrined in the ILO Convention 98," Atwoli demanded.
Atwoli encouraged employers, especially multinational enterprises operating in key economic sectors employing large numbers of workers, to invest more in social dialogue.
Furthermore, the COTU boss called upon the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to rethink their strategies on decent work agenda even as they focus on the actualisation of a global coalition for social justice.
On Monday, June 5, Atwoli was unanimously elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Worker's Group of the International Labour Conference.
Through the annual conference including 187 member states and other observers from other international stakeholders, Kenyan workers hope that better welfare policies will be introduced.
