Chemelil Sugar workers down their tools. Demand that all their dues and arrears be sorted in full./FAITH MATETE
Workers at Chemelil Sugar Company downed their tools on Tuesday, demanding that all their owed salary arrears be paid in full.
The workers cited unresolved issues around salary arrears, job security, and unclear retirement benefits in the ongoing leasing transition process.
Speaking on behalf of the striking workers, James Agumba, Assistant Secretary of the Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW), Chemelil branch, said the employees had been pushed to the wall.
Agumba said that KUSPAW and the government signed an MOU on some arrangements which are against their demands.
The workers demanded full payments before the transition to the lessee. He further stated that the workers have not received their April salaries, and many retirees are yet to be paid their terminal dues.
Chemelil Sugar workers down their tools. Demand that all their dues and arrears be sorted in full./FAITH MATETE
“We were guaranteed job security, but we have since learned that the new leaseholder might discontinue some employees. That’s why we are saying our job security is not guaranteed,” he said.
He accused the government and the leasing transition authority of failing to provide a clear framework for how retirement and benefits would be handled under the new dispensation.
“We are demanding full payment of all salary arrears and terminal benefits before anything else.The government must clear all dues so that we can begin on a clean slate,” Agumba emphasised.
The union also raised concerns over intimidation faced by workers since the new leaseholder took over, warning that such actions only worsen the already tense situation.
“We are not opposed to the transition. We only demand that the government fulfills its part of the agreement first,” he said.
Agumba announced that workers would not resume duties until all their demands are met.
“We shall not work from today until we are paid and our future is secured.”
