By Andanje Wakhungu
The management of West Kenya Sugar Company Limited has warned the Kabras Union of Sugarcane Plantation Workers (KUSPAW) against calling for a strike and instead pursuing legal avenues to resolve any grievances. Mr George Muruli, the Head of External Affairs and Communication at the company, spoke to the media following a series of confrontations between police and striking workers.
The strikes have disrupted normal operations at the sugar milling company. Mr Muruli criticized the union’s leaders’ approach, accusing them of encouraging casual labourers to down tools and riot in protest against low wages. According to the company, the demonstrations, now on their third day, have severely disrupted sugarcane harvesting and transportation, leading to the low quality of the harvested cane.
On Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, union officials reportedly entered the company premises and held informal meetings with outsourced staff, leading to a strike that halted operations for three consecutive days. This unrest has resulted in violent confrontations, leaving two managers, General Manager Mr. Manoj and Human Resources Manager Duncan Abwawo, injured, with Abwawo currently hospitalized with serious injuries.
Muruli described how the situation worsened when union officials allegedly incited workers to storm the company’s premises, forcibly breaking the gate and disrupting operations by evicting employees who had chosen to report to work. The chaos even extended to employee residences, creating widespread disorder.
Despite management’s efforts to resolve the situation by meeting with union leaders and officials from the Ministry of Labour and reaching a mutual agreement that allowed employees to return to work while their grievances were addressed, the union has continued encouraging the striking workers to hold their ground.
A subsequent meeting, chaired by Kakamega County Commissioner Meru Mwangi, declared the strike illegal. The commissioner urged the union to seek a resolution through legal channels. Attempts by the company to resume operations were further hampered yesterday, Thursday, when union officials allegedly mobilized unknown individuals to block access to the factory, leading to a complete shutdown, and resulting in significant financial losses for the miller.
“We urge all employees to return to work immediately. We also call on the union and all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve this issue amicably. The well-being of our employees and the continued operation of the company are our top priorities, and we remain committed to addressing any grievances through proper procedures while fostering a cooperative work environment,” Murali said in closing.
The union demands better pay for casual workers, who earn significantly less than their contracted counterparts despite working in the same departments. Union Secretary Jeremiah Akhonya stated that the union will not relent until their demands are met. “We are holding peaceful demonstrations, and no property of the miller will be damaged. Our goal is to have our concerns heard and addressed,” Akhonya said.
