COTU calls on youth to take active role in trade union advocacy

Rose Omamo, Executive Board Member of COTU.[David Njaaga, Standard]

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has called on young people to actively participate in trade unions. 

Rose Omamo, Executive Board Member of COTU, appealed on Wednesday, August 21, during the opening of a workshop promoting youth participation in trade union activities. 

The workshop was held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

Omamo noted that about 60 per cent of COTU staff are under 35, highlighting the need for youth to continue the work of trade union advocacy.

She also referenced COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli’s efforts in securing youth rights, including his role in the inclusion of Article 41 in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees workers' rights.

Geoffrey Ochola from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which partnered with COTU for the workshop, confirmed the ILO’s support in empowering youth.

 He said the ILO would focus on providing young people with information to understand and advocate for their rights at work.

Omamo also called for new ideas in trade unions, stating, “Incorporating technology and social media is crucial to enhance organisational effectiveness and outreach.”

The workshop, a joint effort by COTU and the ILO, aims to create an action plan to make trade unions more relevant to the younger generation.