Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has been re-elected for a record fifth time as a titular Member of the International Labour Organization, (ILO) governing body in Geneva, Switzerland.
Francis Atwoli was re-elected on Monday June 10 to serve a tenure now extending for another three years until June 2027.
The election took place during the on-going 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) giving him an opportunity to serve on the highest decision-making organ, in the world, on human and labour rights.
Atwoli garnered the most votes, 97 out of 130 to emerge as the number one candidate among the contestants in the race to represent workers in the ILO Governing Body.
Atwoli Speaks on His Appointment
Atwoli while welcoming the re-election noted that “this historic re-election not only marks my continued commitment to the international labour movement but also establishes me as the longest-serving member of the ILO Governing Body and I don’t take it for granted.”
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Further, the COTU boss stated that the appointment speaks to the broad expertise and the years of experience that he has acquired while serving workers worldwide.
“All these appointments reflect the trust that workers in Kenya, and beyond, have in me, in regard to contributing to the governance and strategic direction of key institutions in Kenya and beyond,” he said.
The COTU SG expressed confidence that his leadership will continue to inspire positive change and advance the cause of workers’ rights on the global stage as he embarks on his fifth term.
“As a key figure in the ongoing efforts to champion workers’ rights, social justice, and economic development, I will ensure that the rights and welfare of workers, globally, are upheld and respected”, noted the COTU Boss.
Other Roles Held by the COTU Boss
Francis Atwoli has served as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU for over two decades after he was elected in 2001.
Beyond his contributions at COTU, Atwoli has played a pivotal role in the labour movement on both national and international fronts.
His leadership extends to the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union, where he has serves as the General Secretary, demonstrating his ability to address the unique challenges faced by workers in diverse sectors.
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Additionally, Atwoli continues to serve as one of the Vice Presidents of the Global International Trade Union Confederation, Brussels (ITUC Brussels) and General Council Member of the ITUC African Regional Organization (ITUC-A).
He has also served as the President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), positions that speak to his dedication to fostering collaboration and solidarity among workers across the African continent and beyond.
Likewise, Atwoli has contributed significantly to various boards, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), the National Bank of Kenya (NBK), and others.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity.
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