By Eddah Waithaka
The Nairobi County Workers Union (NCWU) has threatened to call a massive strike if the county government fails to confirm over 3,500 contracted “Green Army” staff on permanent terms and address delayed June salaries by next week.
Secretary General Calvins Okello and Chairman Anthony Kimengi issued the ultimatum during a press briefing at Hermes House, accusing Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration of ignoring workers’ welfare despite repeated engagements.
The union is demanding permanent employment for Green Army staff, whose contracts, set to expire on August 8, 2023, have not been confirmed despite prior promises, leading to allegations of a scheme to replace them with new hires.
Additionally, they call for the immediate payment of June salaries for county employees, including health workers, who have not yet received their dues as of July 17, further exacerbating financial strain.
Also, the union insists on ending “exploitative” short-term contracts for essential workers, citing violations of labor laws.
Union’s Warning
“If the county fails to act within seven days, we will mobilize all workers for a peaceful but disruptive strike,” said Okello.
He emphasized that the Green Army’s efforts, from flood response to maintaining cleanliness deserve job security.
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Kimengi added, “Governor Sakaja, a former unionist, understands labor rights but chooses to ignore them. We will no longer tolerate empty promises.”
County’s Silence Fuels Anger
The union claims the county has ignored multiple letters, including one dated June 27, and has yet to clarify budget allocations for permanent posts.
Recent termination notices circulated to workers ahead of the August 8 contract expiry have further inflamed tensions.
Workers are set to hold a protest at City Hall to demand immediate action, and if their demands remain unmet, a strike will begin on August 1, potentially paralyzing county services. As of now, Governor Sakaja’s office has not responded to the ultimatum.
The stakes are high, with over 3,500 jobs at risk amid rising unemployment and delayed salaries impacting healthcare, sanitation, and other critical services.
Additionally, a legal clash looms, as unions argue that contract workers are entitled to permanent terms under Kenyan labor laws.
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