The Transformative Power of Collaboration: Unions and Employers Working Hand in Hand

Collaboration between employers and unions is essential for fostering a fair and productive working environment. This partnership empowers workers to secure their rights, enhance working conditions, and create a harmonious workplace.

A remarkable example of the profound impact of collaboration emerged when Carrefour workers in Uganda recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing their first-ever collective agreement. This blog explores the significance of working collaboratively with unions and how it can transform workers’ lives.

Collective bargaining agreements are legally binding contracts between employers and unions that establish the terms and conditions of employment. These agreements grant workers a voice at the negotiating table, allowing them to advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working hours. They are crucial in maintaining a balanced power dynamic within the workplace and promoting better working conditions.

In 2021, the HTS Union achieved a remarkable feat through a successful organizing campaign at Carrefour Uganda. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, this campaign gained momentum with support from an international solidarity project led by UNI Commerce and assisted by the FNV Union of the Netherlands.

The HTS Union recruited numerous members through collaborative efforts and laid the groundwork for productive negotiations, resulting in a robust collective agreement. This agreement, effective till April 2025, is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of both the workers and the union in working collaboratively with Carrefour management to address the concerns and aspirations of the employees.

Through the collective agreement, Carrefour workers in Uganda have significantly improved their working conditions. The agreement ensures fair wages, reasonable working hours, and enhanced benefits, including health insurance and paid leave. This achievement not only uplifts the lives of Carrefour employees but also sets a precedent for other workers in the country, demonstrating that collective bargaining is a powerful tool for positive change.

Empowering workers is one of the most profound outcomes of collaborative work with unions. By joining forces with unions, employees gain a collective voice, allowing them to articulate their concerns, demand fair treatment, and contribute to decision-making processes within their workplace. This sense of empowerment fosters a greater sense of belonging. It motivates workers to actively participate in building a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Successful collective agreement negotiation requires a foundation of trust and cooperation between employers and unions. By working collaboratively, both parties can foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. This collaboration paves the way for a healthier and more productive work environment, where conflicts are addressed through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

When employers and unions work together, they have the opportunity to find win-win solutions that benefit both parties. By involving unions in decision-making processes, employers can tap into their workers’ valuable insights and expertise. This collaboration often leads to innovative solutions, increased productivity, and improved employee job satisfaction. Ultimately, it is a testament to the fact that collaboration is not a zero-sum game but a powerful mechanism for achieving sustainable success.

The achievement of Carrefour workers in Uganda in securing their first-ever collective agreement serves as a shining example of the transformative power of collaborative work between employers and unions. This milestone highlights the importance of collective bargaining agreements in safeguarding workers’ rights and improving their working conditions.

By fostering trust, empowering workers, and creating win-win solutions, collaborative work with unions can bring about positive change for individual employees and entire industries and societies. Embracing the spirit of collaboration is critical to building a fairer, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all workers.