Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli now wants a meeting with the President William Ruto’s panel of advisers to discuss the rising cost of living.
Speaking on Wednesday during the IndustriALL Global Union, Sub-Saharan Africa regional committee meeting in Mombasa, Atwoli said the objective of the meeting is to explore potential solutions to address it.
“I have initiated communication with His Excellency President William, seeking a high-level meeting with his advisers and relevant ministries,” he said.
The unionist has held a neutral position over the matter even as the Opposition continued to mount pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to address it.
In his petition to the National Dialogue Committee, Atwoli came in defence of the government saying some of the contributing factors such as global economic trends and international commodity prices are beyond the government's control.
He, however, stated that there are numerous areas where the Kenya Kwanza administration can proactively intervene to mitigate the impact on its citizens.
Among the measures he proposed to the Committee was to have the President order a General Wage Increase “akin to the one ordered in 1972 by former President Jomo Kenyatta”.
This, he said, is not only a matter of economic justice but also a pragmatic step to improve the well-being of the workforce, reduce poverty and inequality, enhance productivity, stimulate economic growth, and align with international labour standards.
During the session, Atwoli urged the trade unionists to remain militant and steadfast in their agitation for workers' rights and welfare across the continent.
He acknowledged the existence of challenges which include digital economy and platform work.
To address this, he challenged the trade union leaders to unite under the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) so as to amplify their voices thereby empowering national centres.
“To accomplish the goals set in this sub-regional meeting we must strengthen our bonds of solidarity, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing over and above forging stronger partnerships, exchange experiences, and strategises for the road ahead,” he said.
