• Performance bonuses usually pegged to basic monthly salary
• Agitation for bonuses cased tension among employees
The government has finally released more than Sh250 million for 7,000 port workers to reward their outstanding performance in 2016-17.
The employees have been pushing for the release of their 2016-17 bonuses. then there's 2017-18 to come.
The government owed the workers at least Sh259 million. The money has been deposited in the workers' accounts as part of the March salaries.
Performance bonuses are usually pegged to basic monthly salary.
“We are happy that our morale has now been boosted, and we are working towards another outstanding performance,” Port Workers Welfare and Performance Group (PWWP) chairman Waweru Kamau said.
Secretary Ali Khamis and organising secretary Peter Ouma urged the government to come up with a proper structure to ensure their bonuses are paid seamlessly.
They spoke to the Star on Saturday evening.
The agitation for the bonuses had caused anxiety among the employees. KPA managing director Daniel Manduku had to intervene.
The delay had threatened the good relationship between the MD and port workers.
“We know it is not easy but the government should ensure the national Treasury releases funds to KPA to pay their employees,” they said.
The PWWP officials said anxiety at the port hurts services.
“The port is important for the country’s economy and any drop in production due to anxiety is costly,” Kamau said.