Free Access | May 2022

Can trade unions help support workers in Uganda during crises such as COVID-19?

Authors/Editors: Rehema Kahunde ,  Maya Denis

Abstract:

Labour unions are supposed to play a fundamental role in advocating for workers’ rights, especially in times of employment crisis, where workers are susceptible to shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of unions in giving workers a collective voice in the workplace and the urgent need to implement laws that support unionisation fully. Despite the importance of labour unions, only 15 percent of employees in Uganda are members of any workers’ union. We examine how unionized workers faired during the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to maintenance of entitlements including salaries, NSSF contributions, medical insurance, and the payment of union fees. We find that unionised workers were relatively less affected by the COVID induced labour market changes. To reduce the rising inequality and near wage stagnation for most workers, there is a need to increase awareness of the benefits and importance of subscribing to a union. In addition, reinvigorate these unions to build on existing legal frameworks and structures.