Collective Bargaining Strategies and Negotiations with Trade Unions in Uganda

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation that takes place between Trade Unions (Labor unions) and Employers. Representation by employers in most cases is by management who may come along with Board members in certain organizations.

Collective bargaining takes place in respect of the terms and conditions of employment of employees such as remunerations, working conditions, grievance handling procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of trade unions.

In Uganda, this collective bargaining process is guided by the National Tripartite Charter On Labour Relation Housed at The Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MGLSD).

Just like in other countries committed to industrial harmony, the National Tripartite Charter is made Between the Government, The National Employers’ Representative Body (Federation of Uganda Employers), and The National Representative Body for Workers (NOTU).

What Is a Trade Union?

A Trade Union is a voluntary, democratic, continuous, and independent workers’ organization formed, financed, and run by workers themselves. It organizes, protects, and advances the interests of its members. The main objective of a Trade Union is to get the best possible living standards and working conditions for its members.

Issues for Collective Bargaining

Salaries/wages
Working hours
Leave and leave entitlements
Principles and procedures of redundancy
Medical expenses and sick leave/pay
Funeral expenses
Allowances
Health & Safety at work
Retirement and other terminal benefits
Any other matter affecting employment

PREPARATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

The Trade Union

On the part of the Trade Union, members should be conversant with the labour laws. Article 29(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda specifically provides for the workers’ freedom of association; to form and or join any labour union of their choice and collectively bargain.

Article 40 of the same constitution mandates Parliament to formulate laws to protect the rights of persons to work under safe and healthy conditions, equal pay for equal work done, rest days, and reasonable working hours, and withdraw labour under the law.

For that reason, labour unions have to be equipped with knowledge of the labour legislation of Uganda like; The Employment Act 2006, Labour Disputes Arbitration and Settlement Act 2006, Labour Unions Act 2006, Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006 and National Tripartite Charter on Labour Relations.

The labour unions should further clearly identify issues for negotiations in a formal union executive meeting and minute them. The union executive or representative then makes a formal consultation with the management representative who in many organizations is the Human Resource Manager.

A brief outline of what the union wants to negotiate is outlined. This is important to prepare management mentally for what to expect. The general secretary further writes a formal letter on a headed paper outlining the demands of the union.

The demands should contain specifics in terms of either figures or percentages and the “rationale” behind them. Adequate time, be given to management to prepare its position. However, the union should propose a tentative date when the negotiations are expected to take place.

Union executives should be well versed with the organization’s operations, Income (monthly, yearly), Expenditure (monthly, yearly), Loan portfolio, Profits/surplus (monthly, yearly), or even Losses. They should also know Capital investment (if any) Comparative figures in other firms in the same industry, Market rates of pay, and an idea or facts on the Economy of Uganda.

Management

On the part of Management, the top executives represent the shareholders of the business. It comprises staff that is not unionized and is usually answerable to either the board of directors or proprietor (s) of the business. An organization that is owned either wholly or in part by the government, the board is the policy-making organ and oversees the day-to-day operations.

Management (with board) receives the union demands after which a top management meeting is convened on receiving the demands. The HRM presents the demands and preliminary discussion and evaluation of the demands take place.

At this point, management may Schedule the second meeting to discuss details with the finance manager availing relevant financial statements to inform management response (Income statement, Expenditure, Last profit Margin/Losses, Capital Investment in the offing, Current Budget lines, etc.).

For management to have strong negotiation grounds, a small Technical Committee of Management is formed to: –

  • Look at different scenarios; at least 3 and compute what impact each has on the budget and overall percentage of establishment costs e.g. 30%, 35%, 20%, 15%, and 10% increase on basic.
  • Look at the previous increment given and when
  • Compare the financial position at the time and now.
  • SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis be carried out.
  • Report from the Technical Committee is submitted to top management.
  • Organization’s ability to pay
  • What is the status of GDP and national headline inflation figures?
  • Conduct a salary/wage survey and other emoluments

Having taken the Final position, Figures or percentages are carefully detailed and a small team is selected to represent the management that should compromise at least the HRM and Finance Manager.

This team meets with the shareholders or the Board where applicable for guidance. Internal Negotiations/Consultations have to continue with necessary amendments.

This results in formal “Counter-Demand” or management proposals are sent to the Union Secretariat by the HRM. The counter demands should include; Dates, time, and venue expecting Feedback from Union listing specific issues that will be discussed and those to be discarded.

Projected Bargaining Positions

  • Initial union position
  • Expected union position
  • Likely final agreed position
  • Expected management position
  • Management position (initial)
  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Either party will choose a chairperson and the meeting will decide whether to have one chairman; or two. In most cases, the chairman on the union side is a co-chairperson and also the spokesperson.

A board member, managing director, or general manager is normally the chairperson; with a member from management as a spokesperson for management. Only members with authority to commit the organization on the one side, and the union on the other side participate in the negotiations.

The negotiations will result in a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which spells out the steps by which the industrial relations processes are carried out.

It clearly states the Machinery for consultation, negotiation, or arbitration on terms and conditions of employment or for any other matters which arise between trade unions and employers.

It also spells out Negotiating rights, Facilities for trade union officials and disciplinary matters, and individual workers’ grievances. The agreement also covers terms and conditions of the employment, payments of all kinds, i.e. wage rates, shift allowances, incentive payments also holiday and fringe benefits such as pensions and sick pay, and various other allowances.

The Agenda and Negotiation Minutes

The agenda is drawn by the representatives of both parties during the consultation period. The agenda should contain all issues each party wants to discuss.

The minutes of the meetings should be taken by the joint secretary from either side. The two secretaries meet after the negotiations are over to harmonize and produce one document that is circulated to all members.

The two secretaries and the two chairpersons will sign the minutes. The two parties collectively comprise a joint negotiation committee or council (JNC). The sessions are called joint negotiation committee meetings.

Conclusion

Negotiations or bargaining may take hours, days, and weeks depending on the issues being discussed. The venue should always be in a very neutral environment. It should be quiet, cool and friendly. Issues for negotiations are identified in a formal union executive meeting and documented. Management as a gesture of goodwill should always provide meals, soft drinks, water, teas, etc. to make members comfortable.

Collective bargaining needs ‘’good will’’ on both sides. It is a win-win position and therefore should be premised on ‘’mutual trust’’. It requires ‘’fact’’ and flexibility. Before the actual meeting takes place, a thorough’’ preparation must take place by both parties. The CBA is a contract; that is binding on both parties. There is no going out of the CBA’s signed when the minutes are produced and agreed upon. That’s why CBA’s become legal documents that can be used in the courts of law.

For more information, you may have to read the National Tripartite Charter on Labour Relations from the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MGLSD). You may also request a copy from Houston Executive Consulting via info@heconsulting.us

About the Author: Robert Mwesige

Robert Mwesige is a Certified Trainer of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and a Certified Financial Literacy Trainer of the Bank of Uganda (BOU). Robert is also a Certified Digital Marketing Expert by Google, the HubSpot Academy, Accenture, and OpenClassrooms.

Robert Received an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington DC USA. He Graduated with an MBA in Marketing at the 14th Convocation of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune India in August 2023. He also holds a First Class Honors Degree in International Development Studies From KYU, Kampala. 

He is the Senior Manager of HR & Business Services. He is also a Content Designer (Web Editor), and Online Marketing Expert. Robert Has Previously Participated in High-Level Consulting Assignments Including, Strategy Development, Executive Coaching and Training. He is a Writer of Knowledge and Insight Articles in The Field of Human Resources, Financial Literacy, and Business Management at Houston Executive Consulting.

He Spends His Free Time Enjoying Live Band with Ugandan Afro Beat Songs, Gospel Music, South African Oldies, Congolese Soukous & Ballroom Rumba.

  • Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Training

About the Author: Robert Mwesige

Robert Mwesige is a Certified Trainer of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and a Certified Financial Literacy Trainer of the Bank of Uganda (BOU). Robert is also a Certified Digital Marketing Expert by Google, the HubSpot Academy, Accenture, and OpenClassrooms.

Robert Received an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington DC USA. He Graduated with an MBA in Marketing at the 14th Convocation of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune India in August 2023. He also holds a First Class Honors Degree in International Development Studies From KYU, Kampala. 

He is the Senior Manager of HR & Business Services. He is also a Content Designer (Web Editor), and Online Marketing Expert. Robert Has Previously Participated in High-Level Consulting Assignments Including, Strategy Development, Executive Coaching and Training. He is a Writer of Knowledge and Insight Articles in The Field of Human Resources, Financial Literacy, and Business Management at Houston Executive Consulting.

He Spends His Free Time Enjoying Live Band with Ugandan Afro Beat Songs, Gospel Music, South African Oldies, Congolese Soukous & Ballroom Rumba.