Labor is a practical work which involves physical efforts it involves time and effort in performing a certain work. Colonial labor was an act of colonialists to involve the natives “Africans” in performing physical works in the products of raw materials and other requirements for Europeans.
Colonial labor started along with the establishment of colonial control in Africa in the 19th Century. It was consolidated in the 20th century.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COLONIAL LABOUR
It was mostly unskilled: Few semi-skilled and very few skilled laborer. This was because most of them lacked formal education (they were illiterates).
It was less paid: Because it was unskilled and illiterate. Africans were paid low wages by the Europeans.
Existence of racial segregation: The Europeans and Asian laborers were highly paid than the natives.
Poor inhabitants: Most of the native laborers lived in squatter areas due to the intensified land alienation.
Heavy taxation: The native laborers were subjected to several taxes. Their wages were taxed by the colonial government.
Workers identification: The native workers were required to carry an identity card in their works e.g. The Kipande system in Kenya.
Existence of migrant labor: The Europeans also used migrant labor especially in the settler’s plantation mining and industries.
Existence of the native’s trade unions (workers’ association): They were formed to struggle for the rights of native employed workers e.g. The Tanganyika Territory Civil Servant Association (T.T.C.S.A) since 1922 formed in Tanga under Mr. Martin Kayamba, The South Africa Natives Nation Congress (S.A.N.N.C) of South since 1912 formed under Pixley Ka Isaka Seme etc.
Note: In most cases the tools of labor were owned by the European capitalists who owned
Plantations, industry, mining centers etc. the worker’s rights were denied e.g. the working hours, wages and others.
