Flower farmers reject COTU's pay rise demand

By Antony Gitonga

Flower farmers in Naivasha have dismissed Central Organisation of Trade Union's demand for higher wages, saying it was unrealistic.

According to Van Den Berg Farm, flower farmers had been negatively affected by the cost of fuel and asking for an increase in workers’ salaries was impossible at the moment.

"We cannot afford higher salaries, as production is not at level with level of demand. If these demands continue, some investors may consider relocating or automating their services, which could lead to job losses," the farm’s Human Resources Manager George Onyango said.

He said compared to other East African countries, Kenya was leading in terms of the cost of labour.

Freight charges

The farmers have expressed their concern over the rise in oil prices, saying it has pushed up freight charges by 50 per cent and fertiliser prices by 10 per cent. As a result, the cost of production has gone up. Cotu had demanded a 60 per cent increase.

"During the low season between May 16 and September 14 every year, freight charges come down,"Mr Onyango said.

"This has, however, not happened this year and compared to last year," he said.

Flower farmers are recovering from losses caused by the volcanic ash and cold weather that hit Europe a few months ago leading to cancellation of flights.