Cotu steps up inspection of workplaces

**Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli at Transafric Timber Limited in Nakuru when he visited the company under the new initiative to appreciate working conditions of union members. [PHOTO: COURTESY]**

NAKURU: The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has begun a programme to increase awareness of the rights of workers in factories and their safety.

This will see Cotu officials make impromptu visits to various factories to see first-hand and appreciate the conditions under which members of the umbrella union work.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli kicked of the exercise this week with impromptu visits to two companies in Nakuru: HardWood Craft and Transafric Timber Limited. The latter firm employs over 1,000 workers and produces modern timber equipment including block boards, toothpicks, doors and other building materials.

Mr Atwoli said in a statement that the owner, Nakuru politician Zakaya Waweru "appreciates the important role of Cotu in guaranteeing industrial peace."

At HardWood Craft, where Atwoli advised the workers on their rights, he was informed that the employees are free to join trade unions of their choice in line with Section 32 of the Labour Relations Act, 2007, that allows a worker above 16 years to be a member of a trade union. Once they join, then Section 49 of the Act requires agency fees to be paid to a trade union by an employer after effecting deductions from an employee's salary.

Atwoli, who praised the two firms, said Cotu is keen on ensuring that employers adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act by providing for the health, safety and welfare of their employees in the workplace. This, he said, includes handling, storage and transport of articles, substances and provision of safety equipment.