City Hall reaches Agreement with Workers Union
The Nairobi County Government on Wednesday struck a deal with workers union that will avert a major strike. County workers under the Kenya County Government Workers Union (KCGWU) had threatened to down their tools amid concerns over promotions, stagnation, retirement benefits, among other issues.
On Wednesday, KCGWU officials signed a return-to-work formula with the county. In the new agreement, all 10 major grievances raised were addressed and agreed upon by all parties. The key concern raised by the union was about promotions and stagnation. It was agreed that the county government will promote all the 10,672 staff a grade higher in the common cadre establishment.
Devolution and Public Works Executive Vesca Kagongo assured the union representatives that no member will be discriminated against as evidenced in the promotion of 2013. “The County Public Service Board, Chief Officers and Public Service Management will retreat for ten working days to implement the promotions,” said Kangogo.
On staff uniforms, it was agreed that a task force be formed to work on a draft policy that will then be given to the board through the County Secretary. Payments for the same will be done on priority basis giving consideration to those who left the service. Payments to retirees will also be done.
Vesca said an advisory on re-designations with all relevant regulations will be issued within 14 days. On retirement benefits, the head of treasury was ordered to request the Controller of Budget to initiate payment of 133 staff and the rest of pending payments in the budget be done by the end of the financial year.
Other issues settled include work injury compensation, off duty days and payment of overtime allowances. Negotiations on unremitted pension deductions were also successful. It was agreed that all current contributions for the two pension schemes be paid in full with monthly salaries and any other arrears due for the current financial year be done by 30th June 2020.
KCGWU Nairobi branch secretary Boniface Waweru confirmed that the union was in complete agreement with the resolutions. “We have engaged very seriously with the county through the able leadership of Governor Sonko. We have agreed to ensure that all grievances are addressed,” Waweru said.
Representatives of the health workers were also in the meeting and agreed to the resolutions made. County Public Service Board chairman Abdihakim Kahiya said that the board is finalizing promotions of nurses which begun last year.
