Atwoli Warns Employers Over Salary Delays as Labour Tensions Escalate

Workers’ unions in Kenya are intensifying pressure on employers over delayed salary adjustments, warning of consequences for companies that fail to honour signed agreements. The dispute is now shaping into a wider labour confrontation ahead of national celebrations.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has accused employers of deliberately delaying implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements, despite clear commitments already made with workers’ unions. He says the delays continue to hurt employees who are struggling with rising living costs and inflation.

Speaking in Nairobi during a shop stewards’ meeting, Atwoli expressed strong dissatisfaction with employers’ conduct. He argued that many companies only act after prolonged pressure, leaving workers waiting for years before receiving agreed salary increases. “We do not want employers to attend our meetings or Labour Day celebrations without invitation because they do not care about our interests and often delay implementing agreements,” he stated.

Atwoli further warned that firms failing to comply with wage agreements risk being excluded from this year’s Labour Day celebrations. The event is expected to bring together government officials, unions, and employers, but tensions are already building over participation.

He also raised concerns about alleged unethical business practices, including tax evasion. According to him, some companies are using shell structures to under-declare income and avoid meeting their obligations. “They even try to shortchange the government by trading using shell companies so that they can fail to pay taxes. That is very unacceptable,” he said.

The labour leader’s remarks come at a time when public sector workers are also demanding salary increases, citing economic hardship. Several unions have already issued ultimatums for negotiations to begin.

With both private and public sector wage demands rising, pressure is mounting on employers and government institutions to respond. The situation now sets the stage for possible industrial tensions if talks fail to progress in the coming weeks.