County workers want CBA implemented fully
The Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) has renewed its call to the State and county governments to fully implement a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with workers to forestall further strikes.
The Union’s National Chairperson Mary Murongoro said the delayed implementation of the 2012 has caused workers untold suffering .
She said the union will continue to agitate for the implementation of the CBA whose delay was necessitated by several court cases pitting the salaries and remuneration commission and the workers union.
‘‘We are urging the government to fully implement the contents of the deal which was to see all county government’s employees receive a salary increment of between 15 and 28 percent, among other benefits. The union is on course to see that workers enjoy for their sweat,’’ she said.
She spoke at the Kitale Agricultural Society of Kenya during the Kenya County Government Workers Union Trans Nzoia county workers elections on Friday.
Long serving branch secretary Eliud Nabiimba and Chairman Samuel Juma Kiboi were re-elected despite alleged spirited efforts by the County to sponsor 'friendly candidates'.
Others elected were Nancy Bifwoli (Treasurer), Jane Wanjala (Women Representative), Paul Sefu (Assistant Secretary) and Getrude Simiyu (Assistant Women representative)
Ms Murongoro hinted at the union petitioning the international labour organization to compel the State to implement the collective bargaining agreement during this year’s meeting slated for May in Geneva.
She faulted county governors for diverting money meant for workers pension to put up the Ugatuzi towers which she said was not a priority .
She told the re-elected team to speak in one voice in order to put the Trans Nzoia on its toes and warned them against 'going to bed' with the establishment.
In his acceptance speech, Branch Chairman Samuel Juma Kiboi told the County to immediately implement salary increment to the over 600 members of the union.
‘‘It is not going to be business as usual for the establishment hell bent to frustrate workers who toil to make sure services are rendered. The governor should initiate dialogue with workers representatives towards implementation of the CBA,’’ he said in a statement to the media.
He put on notice the county public service board which he said had reneged on confirming casual workers.
