KIPPRA signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Union of National Research Institutes Staff of Kenya (UNRISK) on 8th August 2024. The CBA was signed by KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi, HR and Admin. Deputy Director Ms Monica Sifuna and and Chief Shop Steward and Senior Policy Analyst Mr Victor Mose. The signing was witnessed by Mr Andrew Masese from the Federation of Kenya Employers.
This event marked an important milestone in cultivating a cordial working relationship and fostering a conducive working environment for the KIPPRA staff. The agreement will thereafter be registered with the Employment and Labour Relations Court as provided for by the law.
KIPPRA acknowledges the significant role that Trade Unions play in the workplace and has consistently supported union activities in various ways. Notably, the Institute signed a Recognition Agreement with UNRISK on 27th January 2020. It continues to deduct and remit union dues to UNRISK and provides office space for meetings organized by the union, staff, and management. On 8th November 2023, UNRISK and the Institute began negotiations for the CBA, which covers employees in grades KIP 5 to KIP 10. The signing of the CBA was, therefore, a culmination of the process.
A CBA is crucial for several reasons:
- Employee Rights Protection: A CBA safeguards employees’ rights by clearly defining terms of employment, including wages, benefits, working conditions, and grievance procedures. This prevents arbitrary actions by employers.
- Standardization of Terms: It standardizes employment conditions across the organization, ensuring uniformity and fairness for all employees under the agreement, thereby reducing favoritism and discrimination.
- Conflict Resolution: A CBA establishes a structured process for resolving disputes between employees and employers, using methods like arbitration and mediation to avoid strikes or litigation.
- Job Security: CBAs often include provisions that protect employees from arbitrary dismissal or changes in job roles, offering greater job security and stability.
- Improved Working Conditions: Through collective bargaining, employees can negotiate for better working conditions, including safer workplaces, reasonable work hours, and adequate rest periods.
- Empowerment of Workers: CBAs give workers a stronger collective voice in negotiations with management, empowering them to advocate for their interests and achieve better outcomes than they might individually.
- Legal Protection: CBAs are legally binding contracts, obligating both parties to adhere to the agreed terms. This ensures legal protection for employees, preventing unilateral changes by the employer.
- Promotes Industrial Harmony: By providing clear rules and expectations, CBAs help maintain a positive relationship between employees and employers, reducing the likelihood of strikes, lockouts, or other forms of industrial action.
- Economic Stability: For employers, a CBA provides predictability in labour costs, aiding in budgeting and long-term planning. It also reduces turnover by improving employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Overall, the CBA will play a vital role in fostering a fair and balanced relationship between the Institute and its employees, contributing to a stable and productive work environment.
