Francis Atwoli Re-elected To International Body For Fifth Time

The Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has been re-elected as a Titular member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the fifth time.

In a statement on Monday, June 10, COTU said Atwoli was re-elected during the ongoing 112th Session of the International Labour Conference.

Atwoli garnered 97 out of 130 votes to emerge as the number one candidate among the contestants in the race to represent workers in the ILO governing body.

"This historic re-election not only marks my continued commitment to the international labour movement but also establishes me as the longest-serving member of the ILO Governing Body and I don't take it for granted,” Atwoli said after being re-elected.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity.

The ILO was created in 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, to reflect the belief that universal and lasting peace can be accomplished only if it's based on social justice.

In 1946, the ILO became a specialized agency of the United Nations. The ILO governing body plays a crucial role in shaping international labour policies, setting standards, and ensuring that the rights and well-being of workers around the world are upheld.

It serves as the executive council of the ILO, making decisions on its policies, programs, and budget, and ensuring that its activities reflect the needs and aspirations of workers globally.

Besides being a member of ILO, Atwoli continues to serve as one of the Vice Presidents of the Global International Trade Union Confederation,(ITUC) and General Council Member of the ITUC African Regional Organization (ITUC-A).

The COTU SG also serves as the President of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and has contributed to various boards including; the Social Health Authority (SHA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and National Bank of Kenya (NBK).

"All these appointments reflect the trust that workers in Kenya, and beyond, have in me, in regards with to contributing to the governance and strategic direction of key institutions in Kenya and beyond. It also speaks to the broad expertise and the years of experience that I have acquired while serving workers world-wide,” Atwoli added.