Social Justice

Social Justice The Central Organization of Trade Unions in Kenya in collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO) continues to support decent work, sustainable development and human rights for a better future. Social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. Being a champion of social justice I advocate for justice especially in distribution of wealth, sharing of opportunities, and equity in the privileges that are available in our country. We must adhere to fair and just relations between each Kenyan and our society. The critical institutions that we must look at often include taxation, social insurance, public health, public school, public services, labour laws and regulation of markets, to ensure fair distribution of wealth, and equal opportunity. In a message to world the director General of ILO, Bro. Guy Ryder has urged us to cultivate social justice for peace to thrive. Further he has called on all and especially the government to address economic justice of its people. “Undoubtedly, there has been much economic and social progress. Yet the fruits are often unevenly distributed. Many people have been lifted out of poverty but many are in danger of falling back. Technology has generated jobs, opened up opportunities and alleviated drudgery, yet billions are still barely surviving in the informal economy. Many societies are scarred by deep social and economic divides; populations are torn apart by war and conflict. And in a changing world of work, established relationships, norms and standards are being called into question and fundamental rights at work are still to be fully realized.” The challenge of social justice is to evoke a sense of community that we need to make our generation a better a better place, just as we make it a safer space. In our country today our priority should be fighting corruption by all agencies involved other than blame games in order to attain social justice. The big four agenda may address some of the challenges brought to us by providing housing, Universal Health Care, employment opportunities through manufacturing and food security. However more needs to be done to bring these agendas into life and align the with Vission 2030 for rapid development in our country. As the umbrella body representing workers we shall endeavour to promote social justice. We shall continue to advocate for the rights and standards that underpin decent work. The workers must be well compensated, their safety at work guaranteed, systems for social protection must be strengthened and job security assured even as we look into creating more employment opportunities for the millions who are jobless. COTU (K) will continue to lobby the government for the policies that foster decent work. We cannot agree to colonizing workers due to poor policies that for instance classify essential services or policies that prevent workers representative from playing their oversight role in funds like National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF). We continue to advocate for the conditions under which enterprises can generate decent work. Including tax incentives for manufacturers and waivers of electricity and water provision to shield the employers and empower them towards workers friendly enterprises. In a tripartite arrangement between ourselves, employers and the government we shall promote social dialogue to alleviate challenges like the ongoing nurses’ strike and come to an agreement CBAs without straining Kenyans. Together we shall build a common vision of a shared future. COTU (K) looks forward to a nation where there is fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, are treated equally and without prejudice. Happy International Day of Social Justice Dr Francis Atwoli, NOM (DZA), EBS Secretary General COTU (K)