COTU Boss Atwoli [Photo: Citizen Digital]
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli says the International Labour Organization (ILO), has adopted a resolution to add the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) to its Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Speaking from Mombasa County, Atwoli said the measure was adopted at a Conference held on 10th of June in Geneva – Switzerland.
He says the move will now establish the principle of a safe and healthy working environment, to ensure that employees are protected from hazards that compromise their safety and health.
This is as Kenya joins the rest of the world in marking the International Domestic Workers Day.
“Parliament will now have to replace the Work Injury Benefits Act – which provide for compensation to employees for work related injuries and diseases contracted in the course of their employment and for connected purposes, with the Osh act,” said Atwoli.
Until now there have been four categories of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, which are;
- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
- The elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour.
- The effective abolition of child labour.
- The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
The Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work were adopted in 1998 as part of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Under the Declaration, ILO Member States commit to respect and promote these principles and rights.
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
She is also a firm believer of Christ.