Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), Francis Atwoli has blamed the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) for purportedly frustrating independent pay talks between employers and trade unions.
Atwoli made this charge during celebrations to mark Labour Day at Nyayo Stadium, Atwoli said SRC’s only role is an advisory one adding that workers’ earnings are protected by International Labour Conventions.
The Secretary-General said there was discontent within the civil service which he attributed to continued hindrances by the commission.
“We fought for SRC to be in our constitution to undertake an advisory role but little did we know it will usurp powers of free and independent collective bargaining. This has caused unhappiness with public service. SRC is not supposed to set wages and income for workers” he observed.
The Union labelled the commission as “stumbling block” to fair labour practices, that promote independent negotiations and as such should be disbanded.
He said state officers working for parastatals could not get a pay rise even after the employer’s undertaking to review salaries.
“ ILO convention advocates for free and fair bargaining on a give and take basis. We negotiate and a parastatal agrees to pay then SRC comes in to say no or dictate what to be paid. MPs must revisit this issue”
In his submission, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui lauded the president for actions taken to protect workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.