Lubao FM News 
West Kenya Sugar Company Limited’s management has urged the Kabras Union of Sugarcane Plantation Workers (KUSPAW) to refrain from inciting a continuing strike and to pursue their grievances through legal channels.
The Head of External Affairs and Communication, George Muruli, expressed concerns regarding the union’s tactics, which he claims have involved encouraging casual workers to leave their jobs in protest of low wages. This unrest has led to significant disruptions in company operations.The strike has now entered its third consecutive day and has severely affected cane harvesting and transportation, jeopardizing the quality of the harvested product.
On the morning of October 1, 2024, union officials reportedly entered the company’s premises to hold informal meetings with outsourced staff, leading to a mass walkout. The situation escalated into clashes with police, resulting in injuries to company managers, including General Manager Manoj and Human Resource Manager Duncan Abwawo, who is currently hospitalized due to the severity of his injuries.
Muruli provided an account of how the situation deteriorated as union officials allegedly incited workers to forcibly enter the company premises. This involved breaking gates and disrupting operations by evicting employees who had voluntarily reported to work.
The unrest also extended to employee residences, causing chaos and anxiety among staff members.Despite an initial meeting involving union representatives and officials from the Ministry of Labour to discuss the workers’ grievances, the strike has persisted, with union leaders continuing to incite striking employees.
Following the escalation, Kakamega County Commissioner Meru Mwangi categorized the strike as illegal and unprotected. He emphasized that the union should pursue resolutions through proper legal frameworks rather than through disruptive actions.
Efforts by management to restore operations faced further setbacks today, as the union is alleged to have mobilized individuals to block access to the facility, resulting in a complete cessation of activities for the third day.
This prolonged disruption has incurred substantial financial losses for the milling company, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the situation.Muruli reiterated the company’s commitment to addressing employee concerns through appropriate channels and fostering a more cooperative work environment. He appealed to all employees to return to work promptly and underscored the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue with the union and relevant parties to amicably resolve the issues at hand.
The union is advocating for better compensation for casual workers, who reportedly earn significantly less than their contracted counterparts in similar roles. KUSPAW Secretary Jeremiah Akhonya affirmed the union’s determination to continue peaceful demonstrations until their compensation demands are met. “Our goal is to ensure our voices are heard while maintaining respect for property and operations,” Akhonya stated, highlighting the union’s commitment to seeking fair treatment for all workers involved.
