November 2024
The Transport Workers Union of Kenya (TAWU) has officially joined the Global Deal. Representing thousands of road and air transport workers across Kenya, TAWU is committed to advancing the rights, safety, and working conditions of its members in a highly competitive sector. Their affiliation with the Global Deal marks a significant step towards a safe sustainable and fair transport industry in Kenya.
Kenya’s road and air transport sector is a critical part of the national economy but faces numerous challenges. The industry relies heavily on subcontracting, intense competition, and cost-cutting measures that often compromise workers’ safety and livelihood. Road transport workers, including drivers, frequently endure excessively long hours, unsafe working conditions, and low pay due to cost-cutting practices that prioritise low bids.
The growing influence of the gig economy has further exacerbated these issues, increasing job insecurity and reducing labour standards. Additionally, the fragmentation of the aviation industry has reduced employment standards for workers across the aviation service chain, lowering pay and conditions, increasing health and safety risks and incentivising low- paid precarious work. This fragmentation of the aviation service chain has also created barriers to workers’ organising into unions and improving their employment conditions, especially as the structural and competitive pressures that characterize the industry rely on poor employment conditions to remain competitive
Through its commitment to the Global Deal, TAWU aims to achieve safer and more equitable working conditions for road and air transport workers. Their objectives include establishing fair pay standards, advocating for transparent labour contracts, ensuring safety compliance, and promoting trade union rights. By establishing a “Safe Rates” system and pushing for supply chain accountability and active compliance across the sector, TAWU seeks to reshape Kenya’s road and air transport industry.
"This partnership will enable us to tackle long-standing challenges in the industry and build a safe and sustainable future for workers and transport providers alike." stated a TAWU spokesperson.
The Global Deal welcomed TAWU’s dedication, adding, "The union’s commitment strengthens our global mission to foster fair labour practices and sustainable development through social dialogue. This partnership represents a shared vision for a safer and more equitable road and air transport sector in Kenya and beyond.”
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