Kiribati trade unions strengthen their role in shaping decent work and development

Tarawa, Kiribati (ILO news) - More than 25 trade union leaders from across Kiribati have come together for an ILO-supported training programme aimed at strengthening workers' voices and preparing unions to respond to the rapidly changing world of work.

Representing a diverse range of sectors-including education, healthcare, banking, maritime transport, public utilities, migrant workers and government ministries-participants gathered under the umbrella of the Kiribati Trades Union Congress (KTUC) to explore how trade unions can adapt, grow and remain effective in the face of social, economic, technological, environmental and demographic changes.

Organized jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) and the ILO's MARI II Project (Workers Protection and Family Resilience), funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the capacity-building programme focused on strengthening union leadership, organizational development and strategic planning. It was inaugurated by Terengaiti Awerika, Secretary, Ministry of Employment and Human Resources.

Throughout the training, participants examined the external trends shaping labour markets and employment relations, while also assessing KTUC's current priorities, policies and activities.

"This training is very important to us. I now know more about what I have to do. Before we were told what to do but now we have our own stand, we know more about our rights and what's best for us," said Beiataake Aaron, University of the South Pacific Staff Union. Union leaders identified key challenges facing the organization and developed proposals for a revitalized future based on stronger organizing efforts, innovative engagement strategies and broader alliances with community-based organizations.

The programme also provided technical assistance to support the drafting and finalization of KTUC's Constitution. The updated Constitution is expected to help modernize the organization, strengthen its governance structures and improve the services it provides to its members.

"This is the most important tool that will guide the KTUC and all its affiliates at the national level," said Teiraoi Bio, Vice President of the KTUC.

The training comes at a critical time for Kiribati. The country is currently developing its Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) that identifies priorities for collaboration with ILO while preparing for the ratification of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155). Kiribati is also seeking to address persistent unemployment challenges, particularly among young people.

Participants discussed how trade unions can contribute more effectively to these national priorities through social dialogue and constructive engagement.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kiribati also presented the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2027. Participants welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the framework and called for greater engagement of trade unions in its implementation, as well as increased technical support for workers' organizations.

"The future of work in Kiribati depends on strong, representative and forward-looking workers' organizations," said Pong Sul-Ahn, ACTRAV Regional Workers' Activity Specialist. "This training is helping union leaders build the skills, knowledge and partnerships needed to ensure workers' voices are heard and that they can play a meaningful role in shaping national development and decent work policies in tripartite dialogue."