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Why Your Employer Doesn’t Want You To Join A Labor Union
A labor union is an organization that is formed by a group of workers in the same industry or sector to represent their interests in matters related to employment. Its main objective is to negotiate with employers on behalf of their members for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment-related issues.
In Kenya, labor unions are also involved in advocating for workers’ rights and promoting social justice. Labor unions can be registered with the Ministry of Labor and operate under the provisions of the Labor Relations Act.
A good example of a labor union is Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), one of the largest umbrella trade union in Kenya representing workers from various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, education, health, and transport.
In Kenya, it is illegal for employers to prevent their employees from joining or forming a union, and employers who violate labor laws can face penalties and fines. Workers should be aware of their rights and should report any violations to the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Labor.
However, there are many organizations where joining a labor organization is forbidden. This is usually an unspoken rule known only to employees. In such organizations, employees who want to keep their jobs steer clear of labor organizations as it could lead to termination of employment.
Why Your Employer Doesn’t Want You To Join A Labor Union
Here are 7 reasons your employer doesn’t want you to join a labor union.
Control: Employers may view unions as a threat to their control over their employees. Unions can negotiate on behalf of workers, and this can limit the employer’s ability to set wages and working conditions unilaterally.
Cost: Unions can also increase labor costs for employers by negotiating for higher wages, benefits, and job security. Some employers may see unionization as a threat to their bottom line and seek to prevent it from happening.
Flexibility: Employers may also feel that unions limit their ability to be flexible in response to changing business conditions. Union contracts can sometimes limit an employer’s ability to change job responsibilities or shift work schedules, which can be a concern for employers who need to be able to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Ideology: Some employers may be ideologically opposed to unions and believe that they are harmful to business and the economy as a whole
Misconceptions: Some employers may hold misconceptions about unions and believe that they are only for unskilled or low-wage workers.
Negative experiences: Some employers may have had negative experiences with unions in the past, such as strikes or disputes, which may influence their decision to prevent employees from joining.
Communication issues: Employers may have a communication breakdown with their workers, leading to misunderstandings and mistrust. Unions may serve as an intermediary in these situations, which some employers may see as a threat to their relationship with their employees.
Preventing workers from joining a union is illegal in Kenya. Employers who violate labor laws can face penalties and fines, and workers should be aware of their rights and report any violations to the relevant authorities.
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