The Kenya Union of Sugarcane Plantation and Allied Workers (KUSPAW) has called off a planned nationwide strike by sugar sector workers following negotiations with the government, even as it maintained that workers are still owed Sh10.8 billion in salary arrears and benefits.
KUSPAW General Secretary, Francis Wangara said the decision to suspend the strike was reached after assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture that part of the outstanding dues would be released before the Christmas break.
“We had issued a strike notice that was to take effect on Monday, but we also indicated that if the government showed commitment to pay the workers, then we would give guidance on the way forward,” Wangara said in Kisumu.
He said union officials met Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Kipronoh Rono on Sunday in Eldoret, where he pledged to push the National Treasury to release funds to ease the workers’ plight.
According to Mr. Wangara, the government has approved the release of Sh1 billion as part payment of the arrears, although the union was still waiting for final confirmation on when the money would be disbursed.
“It would be very unfortunate if we close for Christmas without anything paid to the workers in terms of salary arrears and part of their benefits,” he said, warning that failure to honour the commitment would erode workers’ confidence in the government.
Wangara said sugar workers were owed a total of Sh10.8 billion, covering unpaid salaries and terminal benefits.
The Sh1 billion, if released, he said, would only cover a fraction of the arrears.
He added that the Agriculture Ministry had also indicated that from January, it would push for the release of an additional Sh4 billion to further reduce the backlog, with a commitment that the full amount would be cleared by June 30 next year.
“Our priority is that benefits be paid first to employees who have exited service, so that they receive their full dues. Those who have been absorbed and are on the payroll can continue receiving salaries as we pursue the remaining benefits,” he said.
He cautioned that if the promised funds are not released, the union would reconsider its position when workers resume duties in the New Year.
“If nothing comes through, that will be a big disappointment. When we open the year, we will know how to handle those who are not handling workers’ issues properly,” he said.
The threatened strike had raised fears of disruptions across the sugar belt, where workers under leased state-owned millers have been grappling with delayed pay and uncertainty over their future under the ongoing reforms in the sector.
The strike was set to ground operations at four key state-owned sugar mills -Muhoroni, Chemelil, Nzoia and Sony which were recently leased to private investors to revive production, improve efficiency and reduce losses.
The leasing arrangements were expected to stabilise operations while the State settled legacy debts, including workers’ salary arrears and terminal benefits.
By Chris Mahandara
