About

East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC)

The East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) was established in 1988 and is currently composed of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) – Kenya, the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) – Uganda, the Zanzibar Trade Union Congress (ZATUC), and the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA). In July 2007, Rwanda and Burundi formally joined the EAC; therefore, EATUC membership was extended to the National Trade Union Federations from Burundi (COSYBU) and Rwanda (CESTRAR). EATUC enjoys observer status within the EAC structures.

EATUC’s main goal is to integrate workers’ interests and efforts in the East African region with a view to developing a common approach towards enhancing social and economic justice through the participation of workers’ organisations at all levels of regional integration.

As a regional workers’ body, EATUC is instrumental in ensuring that the East African Community involves workers in all issues concerning regional integration, establishes tripartism as an important mechanism of consultation and dialogue, promotes the ratification of international labour standards by the partner states, promotes the integration of youth and women in all spheres of socio-economic development, promotes the Decent Work Agenda, harmonisation of labour laws and policies in East Africa, and promotes the concept of free movement of factors of production in the region.

Our Vision

Our vision is to strive to achieve the long-term interests of working people, i.e. decent work, decent life, social protection, and socio-economic justice for all in the EAC.

Our Mission

To provide better services, increase our regional solidarity activities, enhance youth and gender initiatives, and strengthen the capacity of trade union organisations and leadership for the development of a strong and viable trade union movement in the East African region, capable of effectively and efficiently representing and participating in the regional integration processes.

Our focus

Another key focus of EATUC is to integrate youth and women into all areas of socio-economic development. The Confederation believes in promoting equal opportunities for all, empowering young people and women to actively participate in the workforce and decision-making processes. This inclusivity drives sustainable development and helps reduce inequalities across the region.

EATUC strongly supports the Decent Work Agenda, which aims to create opportunities for all workers to obtain productive and quality jobs in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. This agenda is at the core of the Confederation’s initiatives, ensuring that all workers in the region enjoy fair wages, safe working conditions, social protection, and opportunities for career advancement.

Our History

The East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) was established in1988 and currently is composed of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) – Kenya, the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) – Uganda, Zanzibar Trade Union Congress (ZATUC) and the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA).

In July 2007 Rwanda and Burundi formally joined the EAC; therefore, EATUC membership is extended to the National Trade Union Federations from Burundi (COSYBU) and Rwanda (CESTRAR). EATUC enjoys an observer status within the EAC structure.

On harmonization of labour laws and policies

Additionally, EATUC is at the forefront of efforts to harmonize labour laws and policies across the East African region. By working with member states, the Confederation aims to establish consistent, fair, and transparent labor practices, which will not only strengthen workers’ rights but also contribute to a more efficient and competitive regional economy.

In alignment with the regional integration goals of the East African Community, EATUC advocates for the free movement of labor and factors of production across borders.

The Confederation believes that enabling workers to freely move within the region will facilitate skill-sharing, job creation, and the growth of both national and regional economies, ultimately leading to greater prosperity and stability for the people of East Africa.

Latest Posts

EATUC

EATUC/TUCTA Meeting with UN Resident Coordinator, 17th January 2024

Dar es Salaam Tanzania A delegation from the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) and the Tanzania