The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has given President William Ruto a strong vote of confidence after his administration announced a 6% minimum wage increase, calling it a crucial move to address the challenges facing Kenyan workers in the current economic climate.
In a statement issued by COTU (K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Saturday, October 12, 2024, the union acknowledged that the raise, which came after a formal request made during Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2024, represents a positive step toward improving workers’ livelihoods.
Atwoli emphasized that the increase reflects the government’s commitment to easing the burden on workers, particularly as they struggle with inflation and a rising cost of living.
“The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K) is pleased to acknowledge the recent announcement by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, raising the minimum wage by 6%.
“This increase is a significant step toward improving the livelihood of Kenyan workers and comes after a formal request made by COTU (K) during the Labour Day celebrations earlier this year,” the statement read.
However, COTU (K) urged the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure that employers comply with the new wage regulations.
Atwoli also encouraged unionized workers to begin re-negotiating their Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to incorporate the increase and protect workers from further erosion of their purchasing power.
“We call upon the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure compliance of the same.
“As COTU (K), we shall continue to ensure that the rights and welfare of all unionized workers are constantly enhanced. In light of this wage increase, COTU (K) hereby advises all affiliated unions and their members to begin re-negotiating their respective Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) to ensure that workers are cushioned from the erosion in purchasing power.”
Atwoli further advised affiliates to negotiate two-year CBAs to provide flexibility in adjusting to economic shifts.
He reassured workers that COTU (K) would continue advocating for fair wages and just working conditions.
President Ruto’s wage increase, officially announced in a gazette notice on Friday, October 11, 2024, and signed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, will take effect on November 1, 2024.
The adjustment comes after months of negotiations between the government, trade unions, and employers, with employers initially demanding the establishment of a National Wages Council as a prerequisite for wage increment discussions.
The new wage structure, set under the Labour Institutions Act Cap 234, will see unskilled workers earning a minimum of Ksh7,997 per month, or Ksh335 per day.
Cabinet Secretary Mutua, in his notice, stated that the wage adjustment is a vital measure aimed at improving the living standards of employees across the country.
With COTU (K)’s backing, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the wage increase is effectively implemented and that workers’ rights are protected through ongoing negotiations.