International Solidarity Project Empowers Ugandan Carrefour Workers
In a remarkable display of international solidarity, Ugandan Carrefour employees have achieved a milestone in labor rights advocacy, thanks to the concerted efforts of UNI and the unwavering support of the FNV of the Netherlands.
The culmination of the “Establishing Bridges, Growing Solidarity, and Strengthening Collective Bargaining” project in Entebbe, Uganda, from January 22nd to 25th, 2024, marked the dawn of a new era for labor rights in Africa.
The Journey to Collective Bargaining
For years, workers in the retail sector across Africa faced myriad challenges, including low wages, inadequate benefits, and limited representation. The absence of collective bargaining agreements left workers vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination.
Recognizing the need for change, UNI and the FNV embarked on a journey to empower Carrefour workers in Uganda. Through strategic organizing efforts and advocacy initiatives, the project aimed to strengthen workers’ voices and improve their working conditions.
Moses R. Mauku, General Secretary of the HTS Union of Uganda, expressed gratitude for the project’s impact: “Thanks to the project, we have organized 99 per cent of the workers of Carrefour, and we signed the first collective bargaining agreement with the company. We are excited about these achievements.”
Fostering Solidarity and Collaboration
The International Solidarity Summit in Entebbe served as a platform for trade union leaders, activists, and Carrefour workers to come together and share experiences. Through workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, participants forged bonds of solidarity and mutual support.
Fatma Bugdayci-Karatas, representing FNV, lauded the project’s outcomes: “This project has led to the first collective agreement ever at Carrefour in Uganda. This is the best example of international solidarity.”
The collective agreement, brokered with Carrefour’s largest franchisee, Majid al Futtaim, encompasses an annual salary review, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions, with a focus on bolstering the rights of female workers.
Teddy Nagawa, a summit participant and chief shop steward at Carrefour Uganda, highlighted tangible gains: “Maternity leave for the mothers who give birth was two months, but right now it is three months. So, that is a great deal for a mum to spend time more with her kid. We also won rooms for moms for breastfeeding.”
Global Commitment to Workers’ Rights
Beyond Uganda, UNI Global Union has been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights across the globe. The recent renewal and reinforcement of its global framework agreement with Carrefour underscore a commitment to promoting social dialogue, diversity, and fundamental labor rights.
The agreement, extended until October 2025, includes commitments to implement ILO Convention 190, protect workers from discrimination, and ensure health and safety measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the years, the global agreement with Carrefour has yielded improvements in working conditions and strengthened union representation across operations worldwide, including Uganda and the Dominican Republic.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As Ugandan Carrefour workers secure their first collective agreement, they stand as a beacon of hope for labor rights advocacy globally. The journey to empowerment is far from over, but the strides made serve as a testament to the power of collective action and solidarity.
In conclusion, the solidarity project exemplifies the power of collective action in advancing workers’ rights. As Ugandan Carrefour workers secure their first collective agreement, they stand as a beacon of hope for labor rights advocacy globally.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with continued collaboration and unwavering commitment, the vision of a fair and just workplace for all can be realized.