Export Processing Zone workers’ demo over new jobs order

CONTRACT: Workers at a garment manufacturer within EPZ Athi River are up in arms over a directive that they reapply for their jobs after reporting back to work from holidays.

The 2,000 workers at Global Apparels Kenya Ltd held a peaceful demonstrations yesterday after being denied entry into the company.

Unlike other firms within the zone where workers renew contracts annually, they claimed the company have subjected them to new contracts every three months before the new directive that they reapply for their jobs.

Agitated workers who blocked some senior managers from entering the company, claimed the employer has also failed to pay them accruing benefits including Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) pay increase, leave days and maternity leave.

Eva Nzilani who has worked in the company since 2004 claimed the contract renewal is shortened to facilitate corrupt managers to ask for bribes from new employment seekers. 

Efforts to reach the company management over the issues raised by the workers proved futile. – Christine Musa