Kiribati Unions Strengthen Skills for Future Workplace Challenges

“This is the most important tool that will guide the KTUC and all its affiliates at the national level,” said KTUC Vice President Teiraoi Bio.

More than 25 trade union leaders from across Kiribati have taken part in a major training programme designed to strengthen worker representation and help unions respond to the challenges reshaping workplaces and employment across the country. The participants represented a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, banking, maritime transport, public utilities, government ministries and migrant workers. Bringing together such a diverse group created an opportunity for unions to discuss common concerns and explore new ways to support workers in a rapidly evolving labour market.

The programme was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through its Bureau for Workers' Activities (ACTRAV) and the MARI II Project, which focuses on worker protection and family resilience. Funding for the initiative was provided by the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The training was officially opened by Terengaiti Awerika, Secretary of the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources.

Focus on leadership, growth and stronger worker representation

Throughout the programme, union leaders examined the major forces influencing employment and industrial relations, including economic shifts, technological advances, demographic changes and environmental pressures. Participants reviewed the current work of the Kiribati Trades Union Congress (KTUC), assessed existing priorities and explored strategies that could strengthen the organization's role in representing workers in the years ahead. Many attendees viewed the programme as an opportunity to better understand workers' rights and the responsibilities of trade union leaders.

"This training is very important to us. I now know more about what I have to do. Before we were told what to do but now we have our own stand, we know more about our rights and what's best for us," said Beiataake Aaron from the University of the South Pacific Staff Union. Discussions during the training highlighted several challenges facing unions in Kiribati. Participants developed proposals focused on expanding membership, improving engagement with workers and building stronger partnerships with community organizations to increase their influence and effectiveness.

New constitution expected to strengthen KTUC

A key part of the programme involved technical support for the drafting and completion of an updated constitution for the Kiribati Trades Union Congress. Union leaders believe the revised constitution will modernize the organization, improve governance structures and strengthen the services available to affiliated unions and their members.

"This is the most important tool that will guide the KTUC and all its affiliates at the national level," said KTUC Vice President Teiraoi Bio.

The training comes as Kiribati works on several important labour and development initiatives. The country is preparing its Decent Work Country Programme, which will help shape future cooperation with the ILO. Officials are also working toward ratifying the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), while continuing efforts to address unemployment, particularly among young people. Participants discussed how trade unions can play a stronger role in supporting these national goals through social dialogue and cooperation with government, employers and international partners.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Kiribati also briefed participants on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2027. Union representatives welcomed the presentation and called for greater involvement of workers' organizations in implementing the framework, alongside increased technical support for trade unions.

According to ILO ACTRAV Regional Workers' Activity Specialist Pong Sul-Ahn, strong and representative workers' organizations will be essential to ensuring workers have a voice in shaping the country's future development and labour policies.