Unilateral salary cut has no basis in law

The disruptions to economic production brought about by Covid-19 are impacting negatively on workers. In addition to fatalities, millions of workers have lost their jobs and livelihoods. According to the International Labour Organisation, almost half the global workforce – 1.6 billion people – are in “immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed.”

In Kenya, private-sector workers have borne the brunt of Covid-19. Many have been rendered jobless and even more forced to take unpaid leave or salary cuts. No such decisions have applied in the public sector. However, the circular from the Office of the President on voluntary salary cuts dated April 23 may signal some thinking in that direction.