The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli was on Monday unanimously re-elected as the deputy president of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group(CTUG).
CTUG is a network of national trade union centres from over 40 Commonwealth countries representing more than 70 million workers.
It is the most influential trade union body within the Commonwealth.
Following the announcement, Atwoli has expressed his appreciation for the renewed mandate, describing it as a reaffirmation of confidence in his leadership and dedication to advancing the interests of workers globally.
“I am deeply honoured to have been re-elected to this important position. CTUG continues to be a powerful voice for workers across the Commonwealth, and I remain committed to ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of our members are heard at the highest levels of decision-making,” Atwoli said.
The group, initially established in 1979 as the Commonwealth Trade Union Council (CTUC) and later renamed CTUG in 2004, plays a critical role in shaping labour policy and advocating for workers' rights across the Commonwealth.
CTUG maintains a unique role in influencing policy within the Commonwealth, having special representation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM).
During its most recent engagement in Apia, Samoa, in October 2024, CTUG played a pivotal role in influencing labour-related resolutions that were later adopted by Heads of State.
Atwoli, who also serves as Vice President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in Brussels, reaffirmed his commitment to championing the rights of workers both in Kenya and internationally.
Atwoli congratulated Toni Moore of Barbados on her election as President of CTUG.
“I look forward to working closely with Ms. Moore, whose leadership and dedication will be instrumental in steering CTUG towards even greater achievements,” he said.
CTUG has grown significantly since its early days, with its membership rising from 30 million in 2007 to over 70 million today, underscoring the increasing unity and relevance of the global labour movement within the Commonwealth.
