Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union
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| Founded | 1963 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Nakuru, Kenya |
| Location | |
| Members | 200,000 (2005) |
The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) is a trade union which represents 200,000 agriculture sector workers (2005 estimate[1]) in Kenya, including tea, coffee, and flower workers. The KPAWU was established in 1963 when several unions were amalgamated.[2] Its head office is in Nakuru, a regional centre.[3] The KPAWU is affiliated to the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya).[1]
The KPAWU is engaged with a number of labour issues. Some of its work is focused on the elimination of child labour in Kenya's agricultural sector.[3] Where plantation owners are seeking Fair Trade certification for their produce, the KPAWU plays a role in the implementation of international labour standards required under the Fair Trade rules.[4]
The KPAWU is opposed to mechanization of plantations on the grounds that the introduction of machines is a threat to jobs. For example, in 2006 it threatened strike action against a plantation owner which sought to introduce tea-picking machines.[5]
KPAWU violates the freedom of association. It has brought lawsuits against another trade union that wants to end KPAWU's monopoly in the floriculture sector. [6]
