Greetings to you all, my story is about the issues we face when trying to be involved in a trade union, being passionate about it. Put yourself in my shoes, as I try my best as a young person in a trade union that is dominated by men to find a niche and understand the dynamics ahead of me.
A trade unionist with a passion
My name is Bernice Kendi from the Railway and Allied Workers’ union in Kenya. I am in rail transport, and I work as a passenger service assistant onboard the train. We commute daily, depending on shifts, from Mombasa to Nairobi. My line of work is more female dominated, but women are shy to join the union and seek social justice which triggered me to join the union 6 years ago. I started as a shop steward and now am the Branch Secretary, Nairobi Branch.
As I was still learning and new to being a trade unionist, when they asked questions I couldn’t always answer them directly. I had to seek guidance, and that is how I decided to request to be a part of the Joint Council team during CBA negotiations, so that I could at least gain knowledge and know what was happening between the employer and employees.
I just arrived to work. I am at the customer care desk, thinking how I can be of an impact to my colleagues in the union. Staring at my phone, I decided to dial my secretary general and challenged him about being in their CBA negotiations with the management. Luckily, he welcomed the idea. The union and the management set a date. And a memo was written so that I can be included in the Joint Council as the employee’s representative.
Feeling excited about the whole ordeal, but feeling the weight that is at stake to fight for my people, made my heart skip a beat.
The day came, I Proceeded to union office a bit earlier for orientation purposes. I went through the documentation as I familiarise with the topics of discussion.
Time lapsed, and I noticed: I’m in a team of four men. I felt a bit challenged, but I was accommodated very well.
I arrived at our main office to have the joint council meeting and it downed on me about the gender imbalance. But, I was, like I can do better, by also engaging with the topics to be covered.
The day ended, and we decided to adjourn at a later day.
Women empowerment is important in a male-dominated field. Never shy away from seeking social justice and serve others with dignity and humility. Surround yourself with people who have the expertise and knowledge as a young trade unionist for the task that is ahead of us.
WE ARE THE FUTURE OF TOMORROW.
At the beginning of 2022, I was enrolled in a mentorship programme by COTU which really broadened my inner self of who I wanted to be, and I realised that I should never be afraid to stand for and demand social justice which has made me have a different approach to women in leadership. I hope one day I’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors and perform my task diligently, transparently, and without fear.
Do we have to seek a place to be in leadership or follow the two-third rule in leadership as leaders in the union?
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