Assessing the Legal Framework and Policies affecting the operation of Labour Unions in Uganda.
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Date
2018-09
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of law.
Abstract
The study examined the /ega/framework and policies affecting the operation of labour unions
in Uganda. The research analyzed the challenges in the realization of workers' rights under
trade unions and examined the level of effectiveness of trade unions in protection of workers'
rights in Uganda. Uganda is a state party to the International Covenant on Economic Social
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and other international labour conventions. Uganda has also
enacted laws, created institutions and made provision for workers to have representatives in
Parliament. The study found that the realisation of workers' rights was dependent on, among
other things, enforcement of labour laws and rights, efficiency of Labour Officers in
resolving labour issues and active participation of trade unions in the resolution of labour
matters. The investigation observed that the rights most commonly violated were the right to
equal pay for equal work done, provision of contracts of employment and in some instances,
the right to freedom of association. Consequently, labour rights appear to largely remain on
paper the investigations have shown that workers rights are indeed not highly respected or
protected There is no promotion either due to wrangles between trade unions which inhibits
the expansion of union services as well as the inability or non-availability of Labour Officers
to reach and address workers under their jurisdiction. In view of the findings, the study
recommended, among others, that: employers conduct more on job training for workers;
employees be supported by their employers in the formation and joining of labour unions;
employers should increase wages and give fairer terms of employment for casual labourers;
all workers should ensure their health and safety at the work place; the facilitation of labour
offices should be centralised as most district local governments tend not to have szifficient
funding for their operations; need for the strengthening and adequate resourcing of the
labour function in lvfoGLSD; government should set a minimum wage for workers in
accordance with the type of work done and level of qualifications of the worker; and, Trade
unions should cultivate and maintain working relationships with management, labour office
and workers to enhance resolution of issues afficting workers in a given institution.
Description
A research report submitted to the School of Law in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for
the Award of a Bachelors Degree of Laws at Kampala International University.
Keywords
Legal Framew, Policies, Operation, Labour, Uganda