Kudheiha now warns Government against plan to trim workforce

By RAWLINGS OTIENO

KENYA: Workers have warned that there will be dire consequences should the Government attempt to trim its workforce.

The workers have instead directed the Government to involve them in any negotiations in order to reach an amicable solution that will make sure that no employee loses their job.

This comes in the wake of revelations that close to 300 parastatals may face a major shakeup to stem corruption and wanton wastage of public funds.

Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Education Institutions and Hospital Workers (Kudheiha) Secretary-General Albert Njeru said the Government should instead look for ways of creating more jobs for the majority of the unemployed youths.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Kudheiha headquarters, Mr Njeru said a conducive atmosphere should be created for workers to make sure they serve Kenyans to the maximum and not create unnecessary despondency over job cuts.

Kudheiha, which is allied to Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu), argued it was important to address the pay discrepancies that exist among the workforce, noting that employers should stop complaining about the 14 per cent pay rise.

He reiterated that the union would engage the Ministry of Labour to streamline their system and address payment concerns around live-in and live-out workers.

Njeru at the same time slammed CORD and the Council of Governors over their push for a referendum.

He said workers were concerned about the nature of politics at play at a time when the Jubilee government was only in existence for five months and want to concentrate on their service rather than politics.

“We know that they have an issue with the Constitution and it is their right to call for a referendum, but the timing is wrong,” added Njeru.