The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity - OATUU

18/12/2025

As the world marks the International Day of Migrant Workers, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of the fundamental rights and human dignity of all migrant workers, irrespective of their status, origin or sector of activity.

Migration must never result in the erosion of rights, nor serve as a pretext for discrimination, exploitation or abuse.

OATUU calls on governments, employers and social partners to uphold international labour standards, ensure equal treatment, strengthen social protection systems, and promote social dialogue and the trade union inclusion of migrant workers. Unity, solidarity and social justice remain at the heart of the trade union movement’s struggle for decent work for all.

Access the full OATUU statement via the link below.

As the world marks the International Day of Migrant Workers, the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) reiterates ts unwavering commitment to the protection of the fundamental rights an…

09/12/2025

🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau: UNTG Raises the Alarm on Trade Union Rights Violation Amid Coup

In a statement to the OATUU, the National Union of Workers of Guinea-Bissau (UNTG) has strongly condemned the military coup and the serious violations of trade union rights that have followed.

The union reports that its headquarters is still under confiscation, while several activists have been intimidated, arbitrarily summoned, and prevented from carrying out their duties. UNTG warns of a growing climate of repression, in clear violation of international conventions ratified by the country.

The UNTG is calling on the international community, including global and regional trade union bodies and the ILO, to act urgently to protect trade unionists and support a return to constitutional order.

08/12/2025

OATUU Hosts New ACTRAV Director, Mr. Oliver Röpke
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On 5th December 2025, OATUU had the honour of welcoming the newly appointed Director of the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), Mr. Oliver Röpke, to our Secretariat in Accra. He was accompanied by Sister Hilma Mote, African Regional Desk Officer, and Sister Inviolata Chinyangarara, Senior Specialist on Workers’ Issues.

OATUU’s Assistant Secretary-General, Comrade Valentine Udeh, congratulated Mr. Röpke on his appointment and reaffirmed our commitment to working closely with ILO-ACTRAV to advance social justice, workers’ rights, and stronger labour institutions across Africa.

Comrade Udeh highlighted OATUU’s unique role as the only Pan-African trade union body representing all trade union tendencies on the continent. He emphasized the need to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with ACTRAV for the benefit of African workers.

Mr. Röpke expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome, noting that it was “an honour and a pleasure” to visit OATUU so early in his tenure. He stressed that Africa is one of his top priorities, which is why his first official mission is to the continent. Despite global financial constraints, he assured ACTRAV’s continued support for African trade unions.

He also highlighted the importance of unity in the labour movement, stating that Africa must not become a playground for global actors, and reaffirmed ACTRAV’s commitment to close cooperation.

Both parties expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration and strengthening joint efforts in the years ahead.
OATUU wishes Mr. Röpke great success in his tenure and remains committed to promoting decent work, equality, and social justice for all African workers.

05/12/2025

OATUU Participates in ILO Regional Workshop on Pay Equity in Africa
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OATUU joined the ILO Regional Workshop on “Pay Equity Bargaining for Enhanced Gender Equality at Work in Africa” held in Accra on 3rd December 2025.

Representing the organisation, Comrade Valentine Udeh, Assistant Secretary-General, delivered remarks.

Comrade Udeh reaffirmed OATUU’s strong commitment to ending discrimination and promoting gender equality across the African world of work. He emphasized OATUU’s unique role as the only Pan-African trade union body, uniting 73 affiliates in 54 countries and representing over 25 million workers.

He applauded the ILO and ILO-ACTRAV for addressing pay equity at a crucial time when gender gaps, technological change, and economic pressures continue to disproportionately affect women. He also highlighted the need to advance key labour standards such as ILO Conventions 100 and 111, and to push towards SDG 5 and SDG 8.

OATUU called for stronger advocacy, pay transparency, family-friendly workplace policies, and more opportunities for women through training, skills development, and decent job creation, especially in the care economy. He also stressed the importance of formalising informal work, where many African women earn their livelihoods.

28/11/2025

OATUU Delegation Received by New ACTRAV Director at ILO Headquarters
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A delegation from OATUU, led by President Dr. Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General, Arezki Mezhoud, and the organisation’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Mr. Abdoulaye Lelouma Diallo met with the new Director of ACTRAV, Mr. Oliver Röpke, at the International Labour Office in Geneva.

The delegation congratulated Mr. Röpke on his appointment and reaffirmed OATUU’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ACTRAV to promote fundamental labour rights across Africa.

Both sides discussed the need to boost cooperation programmes, reinforce social dialogue and support workers’ organisations as they face major changes in today’s labour market. They also emphasised the importance of capacity-building, training on just transition and the informal economy, and promoting international labour standards.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing their shared determination to continue working together for the advancement of African workers.

28/11/2025

OATUU Reasserts Support for Sahrawi Self-Determination
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The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), represented by its Secretary-General, Arezki Mezhoud, took part in an International Trade Union Conference in Paris, France on 27 November 2025, where the organisation reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.

During his address, the Secretary-General restated OATUU’s firm commitment to defending the inalienable rights of the Sahrawi people, in line with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. He also called on the global trade union movement and the international community to intensify collective efforts towards achieving a just and peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.

The conference which was hosted by French trade unions brought together labour organisations, international partners and institutional actors to strengthen solidarity, support Sahrawi workers and communities, and promote lasting peace in the region.

OATUU remains steadfast in its mission to uphold justice, human rights and the freedom of all peoples.

18/11/2025

🌍 OATUU and ILC Push for Stronger Global Solidarity at Istanbul Meeting🤝

OATUU and the International Labour Confederation held a major strategic meeting in Istanbul on 11 November 2025 to address the new challenges shaping the world of work. Key leaders included OATUU President, Dr. Francis Atwoli, OATUU Secretary-General, Arezki Mezhoud, ILC President, Ali Yalçın, and ILC Secretary-General, Hamza Öksüz.

OATUU President, Dr. Atwoli stressed that rapid changes—from AI and digital innovation to climate pressures pose both opportunities and risks for workers, especially in the Global South.

ILC President, Ali Yalçın warned that without strong social dialogue, the green and digital transitions could place heavy burdens on workers, urging unions to speak out wherever injustice persists.

OATUU Secretary-General, Arezki Mezhoud highlighted that solidarity remains “the guarantee of our shared future,” while ILC Secretary-General, Hamza Öksüz called for updated protections to keep workers safe in the digital era.

The meeting ended with the adoption of a Final Declaration, affirming that the OATUU–ILC partnership will help build a fairer and more dignified world of work.

30/09/2025

On 22 September 2025, OATUU organised a virtual preparatory meeting to begin the establishment of the African Federation of Leather and Textile Workers.

The meeting, chaired by Secretary-General, Brother Arezki Mezhoud, brought together union leaders from across the continent. A Preparatory Commission was formed, with Algeria confirmed as host and Brother Benyoucef Zenati appointed as President.

This marks the first step toward a Constitutive Congress that will unite Africa’s textile and leather workers under one continental federation. Together, we are building solidarity, defending workers’ rights, and advancing the fight for decent work in Africa. https://oatuuousa.org/oatuu-holds-virtual-preparatory-meeting-for-african-federation-of-leather-and-textile-workers/

18/02/2025

OATUU was proudly represented at the 16th Delegates Congress of the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) by Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Emmanuel Nzunda. The Congress, held on February 14, 2025, at the Majestic Five Hotel in Palapye, Botswana, brought together key trade union leaders and stakeholders from across the region under the theme: "Advancing Social Justice through a Human Rights-Based Approach, 2025 and Beyond."

During the official opening, Mr. Nzunda delivered a solidarity message on behalf of OATUU, emphasizing the importance of social justice as the foundation of lasting peace. He highlighted the critical role of trade unions in shaping equitable societies through decent work, social dialogue, and the protection of human rights.

He also commended BFTU for its steadfast commitment to workers' rights since its establishment in 1977 and applauded its initiative to organize youth and gender meetings ahead of the main Congress.