Stalled factories lease process back on track
The Kenya Union of Sugar Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) yesterday agreed to withdraw a case challenging the process of leasing five State-owned sugar factories.
KUSPAW General secretary Francis Wangara and Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) chair Wycliffe Oparanya signed a bilateral agreement that could see withdrawal of the case in court.
However, the union said certain conditions including the assurance of payments of workers outstanding arrears must be met.
In its demands, the union wants a case of salary arrears and statutory deductions be considered during the leasing process.
Clear arrears
The union also wants the government to state clearly which millers will clear the arrears owned to workers and that if there is a dispute from arrears the government will take over.
“The consequent to and upon the gazettement of the general secretary the union shall withdraw the case,” read the agreement in part.
KUSPAW also wants the union’s general secretary to be member of the interim management committee on leasing of state-owned sugar mills.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and LREB chief executive Abala Wanga witnessed the agreement after a meeting on Wednesday.
A Kisumu court last week issued an injunction halting the lasing process until the case filed by the union is heard and determined.
