Union agreement advances worker rights in Kenya's BPO sector

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, commented, "The global agreement with Teleperformance is producing tangible results, and this implementation agreement in Kenya is a significant step forward. It ensures that workers can exercise their rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. This local agreement sets a precedent for constructive collaboration between unions and employers in Kenya’s growing BPO sector.”

The agreement includes several key commitments:

- Union access: Employees will have access to COWU Kenya representatives in Teleperformance workplaces, allowing them to be informed about their rights and union membership in a neutral setting.

- Freedom of association: Teleperformance is committed to respecting workers' fundamental rights to freely join and participate in a union.

- Non-interference: The company agrees to remain neutral and avoid interfering with union organizing activities.

- Information sharing: Teleperformance will provide union representatives with relevant, non-confidential information to aid organizing and representation efforts.

- Ongoing dialogue: A joint implementation committee will meet regularly to monitor the agreement, address issues, and ensure smooth collaboration between the union and the company.

Benson Okwaro from COWU Kenya expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "We are very pleased with this agreement, which enables workers to exercise their rights to join our union at Teleperformance in Kenya. We look forward to building our relationship with Teleperformance as workers organize at the company’s operations in the country.”