Teams to probe KBC staff grievances

By CYRUS OMBATI

Operations at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) were paralysed for a second day as workers demanded a pay increase.

The issue was raised in Parliament, again, before it was referred to two House committees to investigate the grievances and report within 21 days.

On Thursday, the State broadcaster relied on recorded programmes, music and foreign documentaries to run the TV and radio stations.

Communication Workers Union Secretary-General Benson Okwaro appealed to the workers to let the union negotiate with KBC instead of going on strike.

Okwaro asked the workers to give room for negotiations to solve the issue. "There is no impasse to warrant the strike. They should have waited for negotiations we had initiated to address the matter," said Okwaro in a letter sent to the newsrooms.

But workers’ spokesman, Mr Vincent Lempaa vowed they would push on with the strike until their grievances are addressed. The staff arrived at work but stayed outside their offices and demanded the amendment of the KBC Act to allow their salaries to be paid by the Exchequer and not pegged on revenue generated.

"KBC, apart from neglecting staff welfare had continued to enslave workers under temporary terms for years contrary to labour laws," read part of a statement.

The employees said some of their colleagues receive a meager pay of Sh16,000 without house and medical allowances.

"They are not allowed maternity leave and those who proceed are not paid nor guaranteed their jobs when they return."

The workers also accused top management of harassment.

It is the first time that KBC workers (formerly Voice of Kenya) have gone on strike in the country’s history.

Lempaa said they are owed up to Sh360 million in arrears which must be paid before they resume work.

"This is our money that we have worked for and we have to be paid. We have been working for free and no one seems to be helping," he said.

The employees are demanding a 500 per cent salary increment to be at par with other workers in organisations like Central Bank of Kenya, Communication Commission of Kenya and Kenya Revenue Authority.