PSI supports union campaign for implementation of ILO norms in Uganda

The training, supported by PSI and SASK-Finland, took place on 21st and 22nd May 2024 in Kampala, Uganda concentrated on understanding the provisions of Recommendation 206, evaluating current practices in various workplaces, and identifying opportunities in line with the recommendation.

While public sector unions in Uganda enjoy freedom of association and collective bargaining rights, as enshrined under ILO C87 and 98, the implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) is not always effective.

In Uganda current laws, policies and remedies for handling violence and harassment are very weak. For instance, the public standing orders are not explicit on how to deal with issues of violence and harassment including gender based violence.

Unions also reported that issues of violence and harassment were not captured in their current collective bargaining agreements. One of the glaring forms of violence was economic harassment in public sector in addition to the gender based violence. The government of Uganda was called out for a policy that entrenches discrimination based on education discipline rather than qualification, violating the principle of equal pay for equal work. Science-based disciplines earn significantly more than their counterparts in the arts discipline with the same qualifications, leading to demoralised staff and low productivity.

In terms of prevention and protection, union analysis and testimonies show many workplaces do not undertake risk assessments to identify areas for improvement. There is need for improvement to protect confidentiality of victims of workplace violence and compensation mechanisms have not been effectively developed.

Unions identified a number of opportunities and strategies towards implementation of Recommendation 206 including intergrating it into CBAs, public awareness campaigns, a toll free phone line within the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development and development of communication strategies including workplace posters on violence and harassment .

The meeting was graced by the presence of State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite who pledged government support to the unions  in fostering actions towards workplaces free from sexual violence.

Affiliates encouraged her to crack down on foreign investors who were harassing and forcing some of girls who become pregnant during work to abort of loose their jobs. Additionally she was reminded of the need to hold investors accountable in line with the ILO guiding principle on business and human rights due diligence.

The unions also agreed to work with the national centre to reach out to other unions in the fight against violence and harassment and kickstart for the process for implementation of C190.

Unions involved in the training included National Union of Educational Institutions (NUEI), Uganda Electricity and Allied Workers Union (UEAWU), Uganda Public Employees Union (UPEU); Uganda Medical Workers Union (UMWU); National Union of Government and Allied Workers (NUGAW); Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU); Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union (UNMU); Uganda Scientist, Research and Allied Workers Union (USRAWU) and Uganda Agro-Farm Based Workers Union (UFABWU)