International solidarity ends precarious work at Kenya auto plant31 March, 2021For many years, IndustriALL affiliate the Amalgamated Union of Kenya Metal Workers (AUKMW), campaigned against the piece rate system at Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM) which paid workers on an hourly basis. After support from the Volkswagen Works Council, from January 2021 the 42 affected workers have better contracts and are now being paid monthly.
Kenyan union demands decent jobs in the auto sector13 September, 2018The automotive sector in Kenya is experiencing a growth spurt, with global companies Isuzu, Nissan, Scania, Tata, Toyota, and Volkswagen expanding assembly lines. With fewer permanent jobs and more precarious work, unions say this growth is of little benefit to workers.
Kenyan unions prioritize organizing11 August, 2015Affiliates in Kenya and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) pledged support for the project on aimed at organizing, addressing precarious work and advocating for better occupational health and safety.
Kenyan union takes Hela Intimates to court over workers’ rights violations1 November, 2018Pregnant workers fired for requesting maternity leave, and those joining unions facing dismissal: these workers’ and human rights violations have led to Hela Intimates being dragged to the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi.
Union launches app for organizing Kenyan metalworkers 28 October, 2020The Amalgamated Union of Kenya Metalworkers (AUKMW) has launched an app that will be used to recruit and organize new members to the union.
Kenya unions support proposals for unemployment insurance fund22 July, 2021IndustriALL Global Union affiliates in Kenya, which organize in the textile and garment, engineering and auto manufacturing, oil and gas, and other manufacturing sectors, welcome proposals by the government to set up an unemployment insurance fund for retrenched workers or those who resign on medical grounds.
Sexual harassment blocks young women’s training in Kenya’s automotive industry11 August, 2022At a two-day workshop in Nairobi, 3- 4 August, sexual harassment was identified as impeding young women from pursuing learnerships and skills training in Kenya’s automotive industry. One of the participants narrated how difficult it is for young women to enter the industry as technicians, artisans, or mechanics because of the pervasive sexual harassment.
Unions in Sub-Saharan Africa strengthened by solidarity18 April, 2019Unions in Sub-Saharan Africa face economic recession, deindustrialization, and precarious work coupled by high unemployment and poverty. Human and workers’ rights violations are common, including unfair retrenchments when mines and companies are closed.
Unions in Africa campaign for ratification of ILO C19026 June, 2020African governments and unions played a leading role in the negotiations at the ILO leading up to the adoption of Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work. Now, unions are campaigning for the convention to come into force and several governments are advancing the ratification process.
IndustriALL empowers women workers in Kenya21 April, 2015On 24 and 25 March a special training for 25 women from IndustriALL affiliates in Nairobi was organized. The women got an understanding of their role in the family and society and learned about women's leadership. They are leaders who just need the opportunity to take off.
