By Peter Ochieng
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli is calling for what he terms as formalisation of the informal sector.
Speaking during the discussion of the Director General’s report at the 112th International Labour Conference (ILC) Session in Geneva, Switzerland, Atwoli noted that the growth in the informal sector in Africa has brought with it challenges and opportunities, which calls for strategic investments towards its formalisation.
“COTU (K) calls for a renewed focus by not just the ILO (Internatiional Labour Organisation) but also governments so as to ensure that there are strategic investments which aim at ensuring the formalization of the informal sector.
The COTU (K) boss welcomed the Director General’s report which proposes a renewal of the social contract, being the pillar that has all along relied on, in the pursuit of the promise made in the declaration of Philadelphia on the 10th May, 1994.
“We also note that, a functioning and futuristic social contract is fundamental to the existence of just societies which we all acknowledge as an imperative and essential ingredient for achieving universal and lasting peace,” said Atwoli.
“People feel disillusioned and abandoned since they are not benefitting from the gains of our economic progress. This trend is unsustainable and does not portend well for humanity. The situation is worsened by the lack of focus and attention on social protection by many governments,” he added.
He stated that today, more than ever before, we must remind ourselves that the ILO, as the guarantor of social justice, cannot remain indifferent in the face of these challenges.
“We note that while the ILO has the institutional means at her disposal to spearhead the renewal of the contract, there might be need for a relook into the bureaucracy of the organization with the aim of boosting effectiveness and productivity.”
He spoke few months before the 2nd World Summit for Social Development, which is spearheaded by the United Nations in 2025.