About Us
The Somali Communication Workers Union (SOCOWU) is the official representative body for workers in Somalia’s telecommunication and postal sectors. SOCOWU was established on 1st September 2009 in Mogadishu, following a three-day conference where employees from across the communication industry came together to address shared challenges.
SOCOWU was formed in response to widespread exploitation and overwork within the sector. Rapid growth in telecommunications attracted many employees, but some companies imposed long working hours without compensation for overtime. This situation prompted communication workers to unite, forming a union to collectively advocate for fair treatment, better working conditions, and workers’ rights.
SOCOWU is affiliated with the Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU), strengthening its ability to advocate for workers’ rights and collaborate with other unions across Somalia.
Today, SOCOWU proudly represents 7,533 members, working across various sectors of the communication industry. In the telecommunications sector, employees include engineers, technicians, call center staff, network maintenance personnel, and customer service representatives, with the union focusing on fair pay, workplace safety, career development, and technological training. The broadcasting and media sector covers workers in television, radio, newspapers, and online media, including journalists, technical staff, production teams, and administrative employees, where SOCOWU emphasizes workplace safety, freedom of expression, fair contracts, and protection from exploitation.
In the postal services sector, SOCOWU represents mail carriers, sorting clerks, and postal office staff, advocating for improved working conditions, fair wages, delivery safety, and modernization of postal services. Meanwhile, the information and technology (IT) sector includes staff involved in digital communication services, IT support, software development, and network operations, with the union focusing on job security, training on emerging technologies, and occupational health in tech-intensive workplaces.
Through its work across these sectors, SOCOWU continues to protect the rights and interests of its members, improve working conditions, and promote the overall well-being of communication workers in Somalia.
Mission
Our mission is to achieve better working conditions, better pay and world-class standards for our workers
Vision
To see all communication workers in decent employment, where every employee’s right are protected.