Trade unions play an integral role in shaping the political landscape in various nations. A significant feature of the labour movement in most African nations is its close association with political formations.
The association between the trade unions and political parties is so intimate that the cleavages in the labour movement have often been considered a function of the unions’ ideological commitments.
A united labour movement is a desirable goal and the primary impediment to the achievement of this goal is the political affiliation of the unions.
The political affiliation of the unions is not only inevitable but even necessary. In a democracy where decisions that are a vital concern to labour are made as much in the legislature as across the bargaining table, it is in the interest of labour to exercise influence over politics and political parties.
Modern trade unions act in two areas, the state and politics on one hand, and the labour market and collective bargaining on the other
Kenya has a very stable and structured union establishment that any political candidate can never ignore. Lobbying, functional representation and taking important decisions are key for unions and endorsement.
Trade unions have always taken sides in presidential polls and they indeed will shape this year’s political contest. The unions are poised to play an important role in a presidential election where the stakes could be higher, not only for the future labour movement but for the entire Kenya working class.
This could explain why union endorsement and member votes are so crucial in this election. Union endorsement and the support that comes with it have the potential to drive a candidate forward in this year’s election.
As a union, we must set the bar higher than it’s ever been. Any candidate who wants our endorsement should show us that he or she is unambiguously pro-worker and pro-union.
He or she should tell us about the plans that are related to the principle of democracy, economic security, inclusiveness a value that is similar to the majority of Kenyans.
Clinical officers, who see more than 90 per cent of Kenyans seeking primary healthcare, with its union the Kenya Union Of Clinical officers – which boasts of more than 25,000 members, will make a major and shocking pronouncement very soon.
Kenya Union of Clinical Officers national deputy secretary general
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
