The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has called for the immediate gazettement and implementation of President William Ruto’s directive on a 12 percent general wage increase.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 10, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the recently published gazette notice only revised the statutory minimum wage, rather than giving effect to the President’s directive for a general wage increase across the workforce.
“The recent gazettement appears to have focused on adjustments to the statutory minimum wage instead of giving legal effect to the President’s directive on a General Wage Increase applicable across the workforce,” Atwoli said.
COTU Seeks Full Implementation of Ruto’s 12 Percent Wage Increase
Atwoli argued that the government’s latest wage adjustments do not reflect Ruto’s directive issued during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
He maintained that the Head of State had announced a 12 percent general wage increase for all workers and a 15 percent minimum wage increase for agricultural employees.
COTU Secretary General also warned that there were attempts to reduce the scope of the President’s directive by treating it as a review of the statutory minimum wage rather than a general salary increase applicable across the workforce.
Also Read: Govt Takes Stand on Employers Complying with New Minimum Wage
According to the COTU Secretary General, a minimum wage review applies only to workers earning the legal minimum, whereas a general wage increase is intended to raise wages across all salary levels and help workers cope with inflation and the rising cost of living.
He consequently urged the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to publish the necessary legal notice to facilitate implementation of the 12 percent general wage increase as announced by the President.
The COTU Secretary General also sought the intervention of the Office of the President to ensure the promised general wage increase is implemented without further delay.
Also Read: Watchmen to Be Paid KSh20,000 as Govt Gazettes New Minimum Wages
What the Labour Ministry Said
His remarks come just days after the Ministry of Labour defended the recently gazetted minimum wage increase, saying the adjustment was aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
Speaking on July 8, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime said the government carried out an economic analysis before approving the revised wage rates, taking into account employers’ ability to absorb the increase.
Mwadime dismissed claims that employers would be unable to implement the new minimum wage, maintaining that wage reviews are only gazetted after a thorough evaluation of the country’s economic situation and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Mwadime said the wage review is intended to uphold the dignity of workers by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labour.
He added that higher wages would strengthen household purchasing power, stimulating consumer spending and supporting economic growth.
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