Atwoli Elected To The ILO’s Governing Body

The Secretary General of Central Organisation of Trade Unions, COTU (K) Francis Atwoli, who is currently attending the 103rd Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland was this morning overwhelmingly elected for a three year term as a Titular Member to the highest International Labour Organisation, ILO decision-making body, the Governing Body, which is the Executive Body of the International Labour Office.

Bro. Atwoli now joins the 56 other Titular ILO Governing Body members elected from across the world comprising of 28 Government Members, 14 each from employers and workers all elected for a three year term with employers’ and workers’ members being elected in their individual capacity. However, ten of the 28 titular government seats are permanently held by States of Chief Industrial Importance namely Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, United kingdom(UK) and United states, (US).

The Governing body which meets three times a year in March, June and November takes decisions on ILO Policy, decides the Agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopts the draft programme and Budget of the Organisation for submission to the Conference and elects the Director-General of the ILO, which is a United Nations (UN) agency that is tripartite in nature bringing together governments, employers and workers.

Indeed Bro. Atwoli’s election comes two weeks after a similar unanimous election as Vice President of the global International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC and it is no doubt a reflection of the confidence the International Labour Movement has in the sound and effective leadership of the COTU (K) Secretary General and a testimony of the respect the Kenyan Trade Union Movement enjoys globally and on behalf of Kenyan workers COTU (K) takes this opportunity to congratulate brother Atwoli following his election.

In his acceptance speech to this prestigious position of the Governing Body of ILO, Bro. Atwoli said he was humbled by his election and promised all present governments, employers and workers globally that he is determined to continue fighting for the down trodden fearlessly and that this “ had just received a new lease of life”.

The 103rd Conference started on 28th May, 2014 and ends on 12th June, 2014.

Hon. George Muchai, MBS
AG. GENERAL SECRETARY