Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union

Vision
To be the most effective and self-reliant Labour Union in Africa and beyond.

Mission Statement
To strengthen the Labour Union movement ,ensure decent work places, promote social justice and work to preserve the environment.

Identity of ATGWU
Amalgamated Transport and General Workers' Union (ATGWU) is an autonomous, democratic and voluntary organisation formed, owned funded and run by workers in accordance with its constitution.

Background of ATGWU
The Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU) is a trade union that traces its roots from the first labour organization to be formed in Uganda. ATGWU’s fore runner, the Uganda Motor Driver’s Association, was formed by veteran politicians and worker’s rights activist Mr. James Kivu and Mr.Ignatius Kangave Musaazi and was registered by the Colonial Government Labour Department in 1938. In 1949, the Transport & General Workers Union was registered with Mr. Musaazi as its President. The Union underwent various transformation where ATGWU was established in 1962, shortly after Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule and registered as T.U.10. under the 1962 trade union act, The union was formed through the amalgamation of several smaller unions representing workers in the transport sector, including railway workers, bus drivers, and other transport workers till 1974 when ATGWU in its current form was registered again as T.U.7 under section10 of the trade
Unions Act of 1970. Its head quarter is located on Entebbe Road near Kajjansi Progressive Secondary School.
ATGWU Core Values
a) Voluntarism
Members should voluntarily join the union, thus indicating their willingness to be represented in collective bargaining and other union activities. Voluntarism ensures that members remain engaged out of genuine interest and alignment with the union’s objectives Overall, voluntarism underscores the significance of
personal agency and voluntary choice in various aspects of life.
b) Integrity
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest, upright, and morally upright in one's actions and principles. It involves having strong moral principles and adhering to them consistently, even when faced with challenges or temptations to compromise. Iintegrity is crucial for fostering trust, accountability, and ethical
decision-making, which are indispensable for personal growth, leadership, and organizational sustainability. ATGWU shall work to build the integrity levels of their members
c) Continuity
Continuity refers to the state or quality of being continuous, uninterrupted, or unbroken. Continuity in organizations refers to the uninterrupted flow of operations, especially during transitions or crises. This includes having contingency plans in place to ensure that essential functions continue even in
adverse situations. Continuity can also refer to the maintenance of consistent relationships, traditions, or practices over time within a community or society. Continuity ensures that ATGWU remains a constant force in advocating for workers' rights
d) Team work
Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group of individuals working together towards a common goal or objective. It involves communication, cooperation, coordination, and mutual support among team members to achieve a shared purpose more effectively and efficiently than working individually. In a teamwork environment, each member brings their unique skills, perspectives, and strengths
to contribute to the success of the team, fostering synergy and maximizing productivity. Successful teamwork often leads to improved problem-solving, creativity, morale, and overall performance.
e) Accountability
Accountability refers to the responsibility of individuals, organizations, or entities to answer for their actions, decisions, and performance. It involves being answerable for the outcomes of one's actions and fulfilling obligations or duties. In various contexts, such as governance, management, or personal relationships, accountability fosters transparency, trust, and integrity. It often entails being able to explain, justify, and take corrective measures when necessary.
f) Democracy
Democracy emphasizes the principles of equality, freedom, and the protection of individual rights. It often involves mechanisms such as free and fair elections, the rule of law, separation of powers, and respect for minority rights. The specific characteristics and practices of democracy can vary across different organizations and contexts, but the core idea remains the same, governance by the people, for
the people. Democracy within ATGWU means that every member has the right to participate in union activities, vote in elections, and have their voice heard on key issues. This ensures that the leadership remains accountable to the members and that decisions are made with the input of the broader workforce, rather than imposed from the top down.
g) Equity
Equity is also used in discussions about fairness, justice, and impartiality, particularly in social, economic, and educational contexts. Achieving equity often involves ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. ATGWU is dedicated
to ensuring that every member, regardless of their job title, industry, or personal background, is treated fairly. This means advocating for equitable wages, working conditions, and opportunities for all workers, ensuring that no member is discriminated against or disadvantaged in the workplace or within the union itself.

Scope/ Jurisdiction of ATGWU
ATGWU organizes and represents workers both in Formal and Informal sectors operating in trades and industries of;

1.  Aviation transport
2. Road Transport 
3. Chemical and Oil 
4. Private Security 
5. Property maintenance and General workers in support services

Objectives of  ATGWU:

• Promoting and protecting worker's human and trade union rights.
• Negotiating and maintaining sound terms and conditions of employment for members.
• Establishing and maintaining mutual respect and trust between workers and employers.
• providing guidance and support to members on labour matters and related issues.
• Developing institutional capacity through information, education and training.
• Effective Handling of Member's grievances and resolution of disputes at work places
• Empowering members to actively participate in labour union activities.
• Networking with other labour unions and organizations in the pursuance of worker's rights.

Membership Eligibility.
Membership of the union is open, without discrimination to all the workers within the sectors of jurisdiction. An eligible worker can join ATGWU by signing a membership declaration form.
Every member has the right to fully enjoy and benefit from the services of the union without discrimination, and to participate fully in the business and activities of the Union, including engaging in leadership at any level.
Every member is obliged to respect and uphold the union constitution, to strengthen and protect the Union.

ATGWU AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS: These are categorized in to Formal and Informal organizations
         

    FORMAL ORGANIZATIONS                                                                                                                                                                           

1. Uganda Civil Aviation Authority  (UCAA)                                                            
2. DAS Handling services                                                                       
3. ENHAS/MENZIES                                                                
4. EMIRATES AIRLINES                                                            
5. NEWREST UGANDA INFLIGHT                                                    
   
6. TURKISH AIRLINES                                                    
   
7. KENYA AIRWAYS                                                            
8. INDUSTRIAL SECURITY SERVICES
   
9. SECURITY GROUP AFRICA (SGA)
   
10. K.K GARDA WORLD
    
11. SECUREX SECURE SOLUTIONS
    
12. TIGHT SECURITY
    
13. G4S

INFORMAL ORGANIZATIONS

1. KAMPALA OPERATIONAL TAXI STAGES ASSOCIATION (KOTSA)
   
2. ENTEBBE STAGES,DRIVERS AND CONDUCTORS ASSOCIATION (ESCADA)
3. UGANDA PROFESSIONAL PILOTS ASSOCIATION (UPPA)
4. AIRPORT TAXI OPERATORS ASSOCIATION
   
5. SSABAGABO BODA-BODA ASSOCIATION
   
6. KAMBE
   
7. NAMABITA
   
8. KATCOBE
   
9. TUKOLEREWAMU CRAFT AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
   
10. GALIMA FIGHT HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE
    
11. UGANDA LONG DISTANCE AND HEAVY TRUCKS ASSOCIATION
    
12. UGANDA NATIONAL LORRY DRIVERS ASSOCIATION
    
13. KAMPALA TUKU-TUKU TRANSPORT COOPERATIVE
    
14. SOT-BODA