COTU Demands Wage Hike for Workers Prior to Labour Day
Next week’s Labor Day celebrations will go on as planned, with President William Ruto expected to attend, according to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
However, in light of the government’s recent announcement regarding the reassessment of civil servants’ salaries, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has called for an increase in workers’ general earnings.
COTU members are lobbying for a salary increase for all workers, expressing concerns over the government’s plans to lower overall wage costs.
Ahead of the Labor Day celebrations, Atwoli and other leaders emphasized the urgent need for greater wages, citing rising taxes and living costs.
Speaking at a Shop Stewards meeting in Nairobi on Saturday, April 27, Atwoli stated that he raised the issue of worker salaries with President Ruto prior to last year’s Labour Day celebrations, stating, “The rising cost of living necessitates government action to safeguard the well-being of our workers.”
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Maurice Okoth, another leader, echoed this attitude, arguing for a minimum wage hike, citing the hardship of lengthy pay stubs and rising taxes on employees.
One of the leaders, Maurice Okoth, called for a minimum wage increase this time, advocating for a general wage increase for all workers. He cited elongated payslips and higher taxes as reasons for their request for government salary increments.
Addressing reports of duplicate Labor Day festivities, Atwoli denounced them as opportunistic attempts to undermine COUT’s accomplishments. He extended an invitation to workers to join the major rally at Uhuru Gardens in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where they will discuss important labor concerns.
Atwoli dismissed dissident voices and emphasized COTU’s competence in lobbying for workers’ rights, citing the union’s professional shop stewards trained in Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
Atwoli expressed confidence that the president would honor his commitment to attend their event, citing his track record of keeping promises since his election.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to address individuals attempting to involve President Ruto in handling workers’ union matters during the event, advocating for collaboration with competent individuals rather than those causing disruptions.
Amidst plans by the Trade Unions Congress of Kenya (TUCO) for alternative festivities, Atwoli told the public that President Ruto will attend COTU’s event, reinforcing the president’s commitment to worker welfare.
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In a letter dated April 24 addressed to all union leaders, Tuco invited its members to the 59th Labour Day celebrations at KICC on May 1.
Atwoli expressed confidence that the president would attend their event, citing his consistent adherence to his promises since taking office.
Additionally, Nyambega Gisesa, the convener of Tuco, wrote in part that this year’s event would be exceptional as they acknowledged and honored the hard work and dedication of workers in the nation.
COTU Demands Wage Hike for Workers Prior to Labour Day
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