Former employees of the Standard Group (SG) have issued a three-day ultimatum to the media company over unpaid dues, among other grievances.
In a letter seen by The Kenya Times, the ex-employees condemned SG’s failure to honor commitments outlined in a letter dated February 2, 2025.
The committee representing Standard Group’s former employees also decried what they called disregard of the commitments made by the company despite patience and perseverance on their part.
“It is both appalling and unacceptable that SG has yet again failed to honor commitments proposed in your letter dated 2nd Feb 2025,” stated a representative of the Committee.
“Despite patience and good faith on our part, the group has blatantly disregarded its obligations, demonstrating a serious lack of professionalism and integrity. Furthermore, there has never been any communication or update on this matter.”
3-Day Ultimatum for Standard Group
The former employees now say The Standard Group’s failure to fulfill its commitments has caused significant inconvenience and loss to their former colleagues, some of whom have now been pushed into destitution.
In a notice to the company, the ex-employees demanded an immediate resolution to this matter.
Also Read: Standard Group Warns Kenyans Against Another Former Employee
They warned that they will have no hesitation in pursuing all available legal and professional remedies if SG fails to act promptly and accordingly.
“We expect a formal response and full compliance within 72hrs from today. If this deadline is not met, then rest assured that we shall escalate this matter in whatever manner we feel best without any further notice to yourselves,” the statement read further.
“We trust that you will take the necessary actions to remedy this serious failure on your part.”
Former Employees Demands
The employees, with the help of the Law Society of Kenya and Advocate Manwa Hosea of Manwa & Company Advocates, said they will be filing cases against Standard Group to recover unpaid terminal dues (voluntary early retirement, redundancy, gratuity, and salary arrears).
They are also seeking the recovery of unremitted statutory deductions, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), Sacco contributions, and other related deductions.
Also Read: Standard Group Chief Finance Officer Wesley Kimosop Resigns
Additionally, the former employees are seeking compensation for wrongful termination, forced resignation, and constructive dismissal due to unpaid wages and intolerable working conditions.
During this meeting, Advocate Manwa Hosea, alongside an LSK Council Member and Convener, provided legal guidance on the way forward, including compensation for wrongful termination and constructive dismissal.
For staff who were unfairly dismissed, forced to resign, or resigned due to unpaid salaries and poor working conditions, the law firm will file claims for wrongful termination and forced resignation.
They also stated that they will seek damages for lost employment, lost earnings, and emotional distress.
Further, they will include interest on unpaid dues at the court’s current rates and request reinstatement for employees who prefer to return to their roles.
In July 2024, Standard Group PLC declared redundancies, leading to a wave of layoffs.
The company promised former employees a one-year redundancy payment plan, with installments due in September, October, and November 2024.
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