Next week’s Labour Day festivities are set to proceed as planned, with President William Ruto slated to participate according to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.
However, attention is drawn to the demands put forth by the Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) for an increase in workers' general wages, following the government's recent announcement regarding the review of civil servants' salaries.
COTU members are advocating for a wage hike for all workers, citing concerns over the government's intention to reduce the overall wage bill.
Ahead of the Labour Day celebrations, Atwoli and other leaders highlighted the pressing need for higher wages, attributing their demands to escalating taxes and living expenses.
Speaking during a Shop Stewards meeting in Nairobi on Saturday, April 27, Atwoli stated that he had raised the matter of worker’s salaries with President Ruto before last year’s labour day celebrations, stating, “The rising cost of living necessitates government action to safeguard the well-being of our workers.”
Echoing this sentiment, Maurice Okoth, another leader, urged for a minimum wage increment, stressing the burden of lengthy payslips and increased taxes on workers.
“Fight for us to get a minimum wage increment this time. We are asking for a general wage increment for all workers simply because our payslips are very long and since the government has increased taxes. The government should increase salaries,” stated one of the leaders, Maurice Okoth.
Addressing reports of parallel Labour Day events, Atwoli dismissed such gatherings as opportunistic attempts to undermine COUT's achievements. He urged workers to participate in the main event at Uhuru Gardens in Lang'ata, Nairobi, where pertinent labour issues will be addressed.
Dismissing dissenting voices, Atwoli affirmed COTU's expertise in advocating for workers' rights, citing the union's professional shop stewards trained to negotiate Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
"I do not doubt him (President) that he will not attend our event since he has been maintaining his word since he was elected," said Atwoli.
He added, "In the event, we shall tell off those dragging President Ruto in his bid to deal with the workers' union. We shall inform him to choose to work with those who are competent rather than those who drag him."
Amidst plans by the Trade Unions Congress of Kenya (TUCO) to hold alternative celebrations, Atwoli assured the public of President Ruto's attendance at COTU's event, reaffirming the president's commitment to workers' welfare.
In a letter dated April 24, and addressed to all union officials, Tuco sent out an invitation to its members to attend the 59th Labour Day celebrations to be held at KICC on May 1.
“This year’s event promises to be exceptional as we recognize and honour the hard work and dedication of workers in our great nation,” the letter written by Tuco’s convener Nyambega Gisesa read in part.
Gisesa’s letter went on, “The main celebrations are expected to be officiated by President William Ruto and acknowledgement of workers contribution to national building.”
