The response of trade unions to challenges posed by conditions of work at the export processing zones (EPZ) in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to establish the prevailing conditions of work and how trade unions have responded to challenges posed by these conditions of work at EPZ in Kenya. The study was conducted through a survey by administering a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained both open ended and closed ended questions. The data was collected through personal interviews and the respondents interviewed were either workers or trade union officials.

Once the data was collected it was analyzed using data analysis tools such as percentages and appropriate measures of central tendency. The data has been presented in this document using tables and graphs.

The findings of the study are that the working conditions at EPZ in Kenya are poor. The salaries/wages are low, employees are generally expected to work overtime without commensurate pay and not all employees have access to protective clothing even when the work they perform exposes them to hazards among others. Though these poor conditions are areas, which make the presence of trade unions necessary, the unions have not done much to secure better working conditions for members. Though the trade unions officials do not accept the verdict of members that unions have done little to improve conditions of work, the union officials blame a number of factors for the dismal performance. This includes lack of resources, lack of support by COTU and the Government and lack of an enabling legislation. Despite the fact that the unions know what challenges face them, there is not evidence that the trade unions are tackling these challenges.

The study concludes that trade unions at EPZ in Kenya have difficulties with tackling basic trade union obligations