The Association was privileged to host a delegation from South Africa, visiting Kenya under the auspices of Fairtrade Africa for a peer learning mission. The primary objective of the visit was to enhance their understanding and exchange best practices on championing social dialogue and collective bargaining; key pillars in promoting decent working conditions and sustainable industrial relations.
The delegation comprised representatives from the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), workers’ representatives from the wine sector and Fairtrade Africa officials. As part of their engagement, the team had the opportunity to interact closely with the Association’s leadership and staff, gaining insights into the structure, mandate, and service offerings of the Association; particularly its role in facilitating harmonious labour relations within the sector.
A key highlight of the visit was an in-depth session on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiation process in Kenya. The Association outlined the multi-stakeholder approach, emphasizing the value of dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect between employers and employees in achieving fair and sustainable outcomes. The guests were particularly interested in learning how the Association supports its members through the CBA cycle—from preliminary consultations and data analysis to negotiation strategy and implementation.
This exchange not only provided an opportunity for knowledge sharing but also strengthened cross-border collaboration between Fairtrade-certified entities in Africa. The Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting platforms that promote workers' rights, foster social partnership, and build capacity among labour market actors across the continent.