Workers in fear of victimisation

By NICHOLAS ANYUOR

Kisumu County

Sugarcane workers union has urged the Government to take legal action against the Kibos Sugar factory for allegedly victimising staff who took part in recent strike.

The staff claimed the factory management was threatening to sack or suspend those who led the Wednesday protests against poor work conditions.

The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers Secretary General Francis Wangare said the organisation has received information that the workers were threatened with dismissal. He said they have instructed the Ministry of Labour to take urgent action and ensure the grievances are addressed.

"We have been informed of the threats and intimidations by the factory management. We shall not allow this to happen," he vowed.

He has also condemned the factory for denying its workers the right to join the union.

"The company should recognise the union if it is really ready to help its workers," he said.

Cloud of fear

He told The Standard on telephone that workers should not be intimidated because they have the legal right to go on strike since their grievances were legal requirements.

On Wednesday, the workers downed tools for four hours, paralysing operations of the factory. They complained the factory did not pay them for overtime nor did it care about their security even when they worked up to late hours at night.

By on Thursday, the workers had resumed work for fear they may lose jobs after the management allegedly threatened to sack them.

"He [the MD] has threatened some of us with sack and suspension. We are here but we do not know our fate," said one of the workers, who sought anonymity for fear of victimisation.

Efforts to reach the MD failed as he was said to be in a meeting.