Atwoli Negotiates 16% Salary Raise
Atwoli Negotiates 16% Salary Raise
Atwoli Negotiates 16% Salary Raise
On Wednesday, April 10, Kakuzi PLC’s over 3,350 unionisable employees received a 16 percent pay boost. This came after the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) and the parties signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
On behalf of KPAWU, Secretary General Francis Atwoli of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) signed the CBA agreement. Following the salary increase, Atwoli said, “I would like to thank the management of Kakuzi PLC for the prompt response to my proposal to negotiate a CBA that will cushion workers from the high cost of living.”
The workers will enjoy the increased salaries over a period of two years starting January 2024. Kakuzi PLC through its Managing Director Chris Flowers noted that the company prioritised human capital welfare hence the pay rise.
“Kakuzi PLC appreciates the support that Atwoli and the KPAWU Leadership extended to complete the CBA negotiations successfully,” the company spoke of the COTU boss.
“As a responsible company, our employees’ welfare is paramount, and this signing affirms our commitment to continue providing a safe workplace while maintaining good relationships between the company, employees and the Union.”
Speaking at the Nakuru event, Atwoli said that this was the beginning of many talks with different enterprises to raise salaries and enhance the welfare of workers. The Secretary General of COTU appealed to other Kenyan local businesses to take into account the predicament faced by labor union members.
Atwoli said that given the current difficult economic circumstances, this is a good moment for employees to receive a pay increase. “As the Union continues to pursue a win-win strategy cognizant of the national and global economic challenges, I will include corporate commitments to clear CBA negotiations in a timely manner,” he continued.
