Unions in Hawassa Industrial Park gearing for collective bargaining agreements

Basic trade unions in and around Hawassa Industrial Park are gearing towards inking collective bargaining agreements to ensure the protection of their rights and mutual interests with their employers.

According to Getahun Shibiru, TAL Garment Worker, HIP, Head of Basic Trade Union, they are now in the process of a collective bargaining with the employer after having established a basic trade union organizing all workers in TAL Garment.

© ILO/Homa Ejeta

© ILO/Homa Ejeta

Getahun said, “When we started, we created awareness on the importance of unionization and collective bargaining among the workers so that workers will be willing to actively be part of the union and engage. We were successful in uniting the workers.”

Then, he added, “we engaged with the factory management and convinced them on the importance of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Then with the support of experts from CETU, we prepared a draft CBA and is in the process of conducting series of consultations. We hope to get it finalized approved and signed soon. We look forward to the process of implementing the agreement.”

“We believe this will protect workers from unfair treatment and secures all the benefits that we deserve. The CBA not only protects the workers but also benefits the company as it improves staff motivation and increases productivity. We believe in the long-term this will also be reflected on improved wages and benefits for workers.”

© ILO/Homa Ejeta

© ILO/Homa Ejeta

“This is a great achievement for us. The ILO Siraye Programme and CETU has been very supportive in the process. We received capacity building trainings for us and our members. The topics covered include the importance of unions, how to organize workers and on how to collectively bargain including negotiation skills and reaching an agreement. When we worked on the CBA, the ILO’s training and CETU’s assistance was very crucial in protecting the rights of the workers as well as the benefit of the employer.”

Besides, we also received trainings and technical support in relation to gender equality, Gender based violence at workplace, etc. Working together with the ILO and CETU, we also established Gender committee in our factory.