The union reports that the new transport cabinet secretary in the country, is intimidating members of ITF-affiliate, the Kenyan dockworkers’ union in spite of recent election promises to protect and create jobs in the ports sector, among others.
The cabinet secretary is reported to have made a statement earlier this month threatening to sack port workers in Mombasa, despite there being no existing dispute between the employer, the Kenyan Ports Authority and the union.
The union considers the ‘provocative statement’ by the government of the Republic of Kenya, only elected in March, to be a betrayal of previously declared policy and electoral promises.
ITF regional secretary for the Africa region, Joe Katende said: “The Kenyan economy has been built and developed on the spirit of harmonious industrial relations, and this action goes totally against that.
He continued: “Mombasa port is not without it’s problems. Two years ago workers won the battle to halt privatisation via a 6000 strong strike and there are still thousands of workers on short term contracts over long periods of time. However, despite those issues the union and employer have been coexisting peacefully.
We had been hopeful that this new regime, the first to be elected since changes in the Kenyan constitution, would be committed to decent labor standards and the creation of jobs. But if that is not the case, then the government must be ready to deal with opposition from the union with the backing of the ITF and it’s members.”
The ITF fair practices committee, the body which oversees the maritime FOC (flags of convenience) and POC (ports of convenience) campaigns, has passed an emergency motion committing to offering solidarity in defence of the Mombasa dock workers. It has called on the Kenyan government to withdraw the statement.
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