Okwaro re-elected COWU-K secretary general, calls for implementation of CBA

The Communication Workers Union of Kenya (COWU-K), Secretary General Benson Okwaro has been re-elected back into office unopposed.

This came after delegates unanimously at the Tom Mboya labour college in Kisumu endorsed him.

Okwaro is also the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) deputy secretary general.

Other equally elected unopposed included, the National Chairman Emmanuel Kanda while the position of Vice Chair went to Gilbert Rop

The delegates also picked Johson Koto as Deputy General Secretary while Joseph Rwanjau elected the National Treasurer

In his maiden speech, Okwaro renewed calls for the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which he noted has stalled for quite sometimes.

He said the government should also address the issue of delayed salaries, which has in the past led to industrial actions.

Okwaro said the government owes the workers Ksh1.5 billion.

According to Okwaro, the delayed salaries have left some workers unable to afford necessities such as transportation and rent, which has, in turn, forced them to turn to debt.

ALSO READ:

Meru County Alcoholic Board CEO criticises rogue police officers accused of extorting bar traders

He said they cannot keep on going to work for seven good months without getting paid. “We have so many debts that we cannot even pay.” He added.

Okwaro urged the government to also address the delayed pensions of members who were retrenched by the Postal Corporation of Kenya, saying that the government should consider disposing some assets of the corporation in order to offset the debts.

The official also called on the government to assist COWU-K recover stolen property such as parcels of land, which belongs to the organization, which have been grabbed.

“The same can be used in offsetting the long standing debts,” he said.

The trade unionist urged the government to also ensure that debt owed to the corporation by other government agencies, such as Huduma Centres and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is fully paid.

He said that Huduma Center owes the corporation Ksh1.6 billion in rent arrears, which date back to 2013, and IEBC also owes it some Ksh400 million for transporting election material during the 2022 General Elections.

He said that when two debts are summed up is enough to clear salary arrears and to pay our salaries for another year.

By Fredrick Odiero

Sharing is caring!