More than 3000 workers of Ashton and Mombasa Apparel Export Processing Zones (EPZs) companies are on the verge of losing their dues and jobs as a result of the takeover of the companies by a new investor.
The workers say their efforts to negotiate with the management have not borne fruits forcing them to have a go slow.
“We have worked in this company for years. We don’t want to be left at a crossroads, we had a go slow from Monday last week up to now we haven’t agreed with management and things are becoming worse,” said Onesmus Musyoka, Chairman of Ashton employees.
The workers found the gate of the company closed and a notice pinned that the company had been closed indefinitely on Saturday.
“We don’t know why the management is adamant to listen to our grievances. We appeal to the Ministry of Labor to move swiftly and take action by investigating what is going on.
We want the government to intervene and assist EPZ employees not to be misused by employers. We are given contracts of one month that we cannot use to access loans,” urged Musyoka.
Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said the standoff was not caused by the workers but by the employers. The MP castigated the deployment of police officers to intimidate the workers.
“There is a problem in Mombasa and Ashton EPZs that is fueled by the employers and labour officers who have decided to side with the employer to the disadvantage of the workers,” said Mwinyi adding it is the prerogative of the workers to form a union to address their challenges.
Some workers have offered sweat and blood for more than 20 years, he added, we want negotiations to take place between the employer and workers on the takeover of the company so that they can know who will take the responsibility of paying their dues.
The MP called for the abolishment of the monthly contracts being given to the workers advocating for long-term contracts. He promised to take up the matter to the National Assembly for the owner to be summoned if he failed to listen to them.
“We don’t want to bring chaos but work to continue. We understand when a worker is satisfied his productivity increases, and we know there is sexual harassment going on for one to be promoted and for a contract extension. We must end all the vices, sex must be consensual,” said Mwinyi.
In the notice pinned on the highly guarded gates, the management of Ashton accuses the workers of failing to cooperate during a visit by the Ministry of Labour officials hindering the progress towards finding a resolution the existing problem.
“The management has therefore decided to cease all day-to-day operations until further notice. This means that the factory will be closed, and no work will be conducted during this period,” reads the lockout notice.
