COTU (K) At a Glance
Institutional Outlook
The Central
Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) is the sole national trade
union center in Kenya. COTU (K) was founded in 1965 upon
dissolution of the Kenya Federation of Labour and the African
Workers' Congress. COTU (K) is registered and operates within
the provisions of the Trade Unions Act (Chapter 233) of the Laws
of Kenya. Currently, COTU (K) affiliates 36 registered trade
unions in the country, and has a membership of about 1 million
workers. Since its formation in 1965, the workers umbrella body
has endeavoured to create, develop and maintain a comprehensive
social framework for championing the rights of workers and
advocating for humane and productive work, in conditions of
freedom, equity, security and dignity. COTU (K)'s activities
have been geared towards strengthening the affiliated unions;
promoting worker education; lobbying and advocating for
appropriate employment and labour market policies, and legal
regimes; articulating workers' views and representation at
national, regional and international levels; and building
solidarity, alliances, partnership and networks with government,
private sector, regional and international trade union
confederations and other labour support institutions.
Our
Vision
COTU (K) vision is
to develop a work force that enjoys a sustainable decent work
environment.
Our
Mission
COTU (K) exists to
promote the creation of productive and sustainable employment
opportunities, facilitate achievement of workers' rights,
enhance social protection and provide effective representation
to Kenyan workers.
Our
Mandate and Objects
COTU (K)'s
objectives are to:
-
Improve the economic and social
conditions of all workers in all parts of Kenya;
-
Assist in the complete organisation of all workers in the trade union movement.
-
Organise the structure and spheres of influence and amalgamation of trade unions
affiliated to COTU (K).
-
Assist in settling disputes between
members of trade unions and their employers or between the trade unions and
their members or employees of one union and employees of another union, or
between two or more trade unions.
-
Encourage the principles of the development and maintenance of good relations
between employees and employers.
-
Secure adequate
and effective representation in bodies dealing with
labour and employment policies and legislation.
-
Establish and maintain funds by means of membership fees, monthly contributions,
donations, subscriptions, levies and by borrowing on such security and such
terms as may from time to time be arranged by the Executive Board; and
-
Set
up appropriate committees to provide training,
education and other facilities and enterprise for the advancement of workers and
the labour movement in general.
Our Values and Principles
COTU (K) subscribes to the following
values and principles:
-
Collaboration and teamwork
-
Participatory leadership
-
Respect for the rights and
privileges of workers
-
Worker solidarity
-
Tripartism
-
Professionalism and Integrity
-
Innovation and Continuous Learning
-
Results-Orientation
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