The Central Organisation of Trade Unions SG Francis Atwoli has slammed the Private Security Regulatory Authority Director General Fazul Mahamed over his directive on the non-remittance of guards' dues.
Speaking at the Solidarity Building on Tuesday, Atwoli said Cotu is a free and independent trade union that is neither regulated by PSRA nor any other government agency.
"The union dues Cotu receives from private security workers, through their union’s affiliation is as a consequence of a Gazette Notice by the Ministry of Labour dated September 2, 2016, considering the labour laws and the requirements of the constitution of Cotu," Atwoli said.
His remarks come barely a day after Mahamed ordered all security firms to immediately stop remitting union contributions to Cotu.
Atwoli said he has been the leading champion of the rights and welfare of private security workers in Kenya.
He said it was through his effort that the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) was not only formed but also represented in the Cotu Executive Board.
"Indeed, Isaac Andabwa, who is the KNPSWU SG not only sits on the Executive Board of Cotu but has received a lot of support from the leadership of Cotu in organizing workers in that sector," he said.
In a letter dated April 15, Mahamed said investigations have been launched on the collection and use of the finances following complaints from private security officers.
Mahamed said Section 10 (b) of the Private Security Regulations Act mandates the PSRA to conduct or cause to be conducted investigations and inquiries with regard to any matter falling within the scope of its function.
"Pending conclusion of the investigation, all private security companies are hereby directed to effectively immediately stop deducting and remitting private security officers’ trade union fees to the Cotu," the letter reads in part.
Mahamed said the order shall remain in force until such a time the Authority expressly directs otherwise.
The directive was copied to all directors of private security firms, CEOs and shareholders of private security firms and the guards.
Mahamed issued a warning to firms found going against the directive.
