Fragmentation has undermined trade unionism

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Mombasa branch delegates raise their hands in celebrations in support of the forthcoming national strike which was called upon by their secretary-general.[Gideon Maundu,Standard]

The primary function of a trade union is to promote and protect the interests of its members and, more importantly, to improve working and living conditions of workers. Trade unions in the Public sector, especially in the Education sub-sector have, however fallen short of achieving their set objectives due to challenges that are both external and internal. Some of these challenges have led unions to split.

A study by Education International (EI) revealed the causes of trade union fragmentation in Kenya. Unity and solidarity continue to be undermined predominantly by internal workings and politics in the unions.

The study identified representation, leadership and internal “class” struggles as the most important factors which explain the current state of fragmentation in this sector

‘Splinterism’ effectively leads to financial constraints emanating from loss of membership. It creates room for the government and employers to interfere with union activities, including micromanaging union leaderships. By extension, disunity, splits and rivalry among trade movements have led to breaking the solidarity spirit.

A multiplicity of trade unions is a major problem within the labour movement. According to EI findings, this has resulted to rivalry between the unions; inability of the leaders to represent members; low bargaining power; lack of adequate funds to support operations of the unions and lack of unity among teachers.

Thus, unions today are not powerful enough to effectively articulate teachers’ agenda and sign a rewarding Collective Bargaining Agreement with the employer. For instance, Salaries and Remuneration Commission recommended to the National Treasury a Sh33 billion pay deal for teachers in the 2021/2025 CBA. The National Treasury turned down the proposal. Therefore, only a unified force of teacher unions can compel the government to yield and release the Sh33 billion to the employer.

As things stand now, before the commencement of any collective bargaining – teacher unity and solidarity is paramount so that unions can become a formidable force to engage the employer.

Fragmentation and disunity detract the strength, influence and the ability of trade unions to achieve their objectives.

According to International Labour Organisation, workers’ ability to negotiate, promote and defend their labour rights largely depends on their ability to act collectively. Division and scattering of this collective strength will weaken workers’ position towards their employer – hence, unions will not be effective in representing teachers in an optimal way.

Teachers expect monetary offer in the scheduled collective bargaining between the employer and unions on Tuesday. Signing of a non-monetary CBA in exchange for union dues and agency fees that the employer had withdrawn from unions will be a big disappointment and an abuse of teachers’ professional and labour rights. Maternity and paternity leave days should not be treated as an offer in the CBA.  

Mr Sossion is a nominated MP and a member of Parliamentary Committee on Education and Labour