Platform for Labour Action (PLA) is a National Civil Society Organization that was founded in the year 2000. PLA is focused on promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalized workers through empowerment of communities and individuals in Uganda.
Lives impacted
years of service
As the world prepares to commemorate the International Labour Day tomorrow (May 1), several workers around the world are distraught and traumatised by socio-economic menace that Covid-19 pandemic is leaving in its wake.
And more than ever before, the Covid-19’s depressing effects have ignited a serious parallel global debate as to whether or not employers and employees will survive the major crisis and if yes, what major steps could be implored to cut costs during the struggle to meet employees’ financial and statutory obligations.
According to the initial assessment of the impact of Covid-19 by the International Labour Orgnisation, on the global world of work, the effects will be far reaching pushing almost 25 million people out of employment, underemployment and working poverty unless a decisive, coordinated and immediate response is adopted globally.
Unfortunately for many companies world over, laying off workers during a crisis like this has proved the most convenient way stereotypically geared towards the ‘cost cutting reflex’. And indeed, this would be understandable bearing in mind the effects of Covid-19 on the wider economies; however, the spirit and the methods with which the employees are laid off defeats its purpose and further burdens and marginalises the already distressed employees, especially in these turbulent times.
While we are cognizant that certain groups of employees have been disproportionately affected by the current job crisis, majority of the workers in Uganda that are headed for tougher times predominantly include those in less protected and low paid jobs – particularly the young and the elderly, the sick, women as well as the migrant workers.
This, therefore, calls for pragmatic strategies by both the employers and the government that emphasise what needs to be prioritised while interrogating other options to reduce costs such as working half-time, unpaid leave agreeable by employees, halting bonuses, bans on overtime, and other cost cutting measures that may deem fit.
This, in turn, would not only make termination of contracts as a last option but also ensure that many employees are not left to a second- or third-guess on what lies ahead of them – and instead, appreciate the current financial health of their firm, factory, or organisation.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the global economic growth rate is expected to drop to 1.6 percent from the 2.9 per cent that was recorded in 2019 as a result of the economic effects of the Covid-19.
This is mainly due to the demand and supply shock across the globe that has seen many advanced economies, including the US and China, register negative growth because of suspension of economic activity as well as making workers stay at home in order to contain the virus.
Whereas Uganda’s macroeconomic outlook for the current Financial Year 2019/20 and medium term had been projected to grow by 6.3 per cent, this is very unlikely due to the widespread economic effects arising from the
Covid-19 pandemic and the drastic measures adopted globally and domestically to curb the crisis.
The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development recently disclosed that Uganda’s growth projections for the financial year ending June 2020 had been revised downward from 6-5 percent, with imports expected to decline by 44 percent over the next months to June 2020. This may push a number of Ugandans below the poverty line by 780,000 in the best-case scenario or 2.5 million in the worst-case scenario.
Suffice to note that some of the preventative measures to the COVID-19 by the Government of Uganda have also systematically affected the world of work in both the public and private sector. Literally, apart from the essential staff in the essential service sectors, majority of the workers have been sent home indefinitely while others are under strict guidelines to work from home amidst a lot of uncertainty as to whether their jobs were guaranteed after the crisis or not.
And yet, there are those women and men with stringent instructions to remain at their workplaces through the night in order to observe curfew schedules. These and more have grossly continued to violate some of the workers’ rights across the divide.
As Guy Ryder, director-general of the International Labour Organisation, said; “this is no longer only a global health crisis, it is also a major labour market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people.”
The much needed response to the Covid-19 in the labour sector globally must particularly enforce social dialogue capable of facilitating social protection, supporting employment retention (short-time work, paid leave, and others subsidies) and financial tax relief, including micro and small medium-sized enterprises.
The crisis we are in and the projected worse times ahead also call for more fiscal and monetary policy measures to support the specific economic sectors.
And while Ugandans live under the lockdown for unspecified period of time during the pandemic, they ought to look out for where and who to anchor their hope for survival as the world continues to wrestle down the socio-economic effects of this invisible enemy.
For the past 25 years, Platform for Labour Action (PLA) has stood as a beacon of justice for workers in Uganda and beyond, dedicating its efforts to defending the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Founded in 1998, PLA has worked tirelessly to address labour injustices and advance safe, inclusive migration. Its vision has remained consistent: ensuring that every worker whether at home or abroad is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Promoting Safe Labour and Inclusive Migration
Labour migration is a growing reality for many Ugandans, especially youth and women who seek better livelihoods abroad. Yet, as Lydia Bwiite, Manager for Rights, Social Protection, and Accountability at PLA, emphasized in her recent reflection, “labour migration comes with many risks: exploitation, unsafe working conditions, human trafficking, and the denial of basic rights. Migrant workers, especially women, often return home with stories of abuse, unpaid wages, and psychological scars. This is why PLA has made it its mission to advocate for safer labour systems and policies that protect workers throughout the migration journey.”
PLA’s interventions have targeted both structural and immediate barriers faced by migrant workers. From legal aid and psychosocial support for victims of exploitation, to community sensitization on safe migration pathways, and policy advocacy with government and international actors, PLA has been central in creating safer environments for workers. By aligning its work with Uganda’s labour migration frameworks and global commitments such as the ILO conventions, PLA ensures that rights-based principles guide labour mobility.
PLA’s Legacy of 25 Years of Impact
Over the past quarter-century, PLA has translated its vision into tangible impact:
As Lydia Bwiite highlighted, “when we protect migrant workers, we are not just addressing labour rights- we are safeguarding human rights, family welfare, and national development. Migrant workers contribute significantly to Uganda’s economy through remittances, but their wellbeing must come first.”
Looking Ahead: Renewed Commitment
As PLA celebrates 25 years of impact, this milestone is not only a celebration of achievements but also a call to action for the future. The organization is renewing its commitment to championing safe labour migration, tackling new challenges such as digital recruitment scams, climate-induced migration, and the growing informalization of labour.
PLA envisions a Uganda where migration is safe, orderly, and inclusive; where workers’ rights are non-negotiable; and where no worker whether local or migrant is left behind. The next 25 years will build on PLA’s legacy of resilience, partnership, and justice, ensuring that labour rights remain firmly recognized as human rights.
Authored by Angella Asiimwe, Consulting Blogger under Voice Consults
Hashtag: #PLAat25
Get ready to be inspired! ✨ We are absolutely thrilled to unveil PLA International, a dynamic 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, proudly established in Indiana in 2023. Our hearts beat with the conviction that research is not just a tool, but a powerful catalyst for crafting and deploying projects that forge a path towards truly equitable and sustainable development. This incredible new chapter is a vibrant continuation of the profound work pioneered by our esteemed sister organization, Platform for Labour Action in Uganda, building upon a legacy of years of unparalleled experience and resounding success. 🌟
At the very core of PLA International, our passion ignites research-driven project design and impactful implementation, ensuring every endeavor blossoms into tangible, life-changing results. International collaboration isn't just a strategy for us; it's the very heartbeat of our mission, empowering us to forge unbreakable cross-border partnerships, embrace a kaleidoscope of diverse perspectives, and strategically amplify our collective efforts to create a brighter world. We are equally, fervently committed to uplifting communities, showering them with the invaluable gifts of knowledge sharing and robust capacity building, all to cultivate a future brimming with long-term self-sufficiency and boundless hope. 💪💡
We are bursting with excitement to embark on this monumental journey alongside our phenomenal dedicated team, our invaluable volunteers, and our cherished partners. To dive deeper into our visionary planned activities, discover exhilarating volunteering opportunities, and learn how you can become a vital part of our movement, please visit our website and stay connected! Together, let's build a future that shines with unparalleled brilliance! ✨
