COTU cancels Labour day celebrations in Kakamega County for lack of funds

Labour day celebrations cancelled in this county

Authors:

Mark Mwithaga

May 1, 2019 10:22 AM

It will not happen

Workers during a past labor day celebrations

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) on Wednesday announced that Labour Day celebrations would not take place in Kakamega County due to lack of finances.

Western region secretary of the Kenya Building Construction Timber and Furniture Industries Employees Union Caleb Jumba, stated that the fete was abandoned after they did not receive funds from COTU.

An empty Bukhungu Stadium Pulse Live Kenya

Jumba further stated that he would attended the national holiday celebrations in Kisumu.

“We have not received any money and that means that there won’t be any celebrations. There has been no communication from Cotu headquarters on the matter.

"I plan to attend the celebration in Kisumu,” remarked region secretary.

The failed function was intended to take place at the Bukhungu Stadium.

Residents of the county however stated that the day would be marked by them going about their day to day activities.

In Nairobi County, the holiday meant to recognize workers all over the country, will be held at Uhuru park where President Uhuru is expected to attend.

FKE rejects COTU house levy proposal

As workers await the fate of the proposed house levy by the government, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) had earlier disregarded a proposal by the Central Organisation of Trade Unons (COTU) to raise the general wage by 15 percent.

FKE Chairman Mark Obuya (Left) during a past meeting Pulse Live Kenya

COTU in their defence had stated that the move would be in line with1.5 percent housing levy suggested by the government with the aim to finance the Affordable Housing Scheme under the Big 4 Agenda.

According to FKE Chairman Mark Obuya, they were not involved by the government before they came up and settled on the proposed levy.

Authors:

Mark Mwithaga