This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
On Kisumu-Ahero road, a local business, Jumbo Mattresses, is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of modern slavery. The situation has caught the attention of local residents, who are planning a major demonstration against the company's management.
According to sources, workers at the company have expressed outrage over their treatment, describing it as 'pure mistreatment' by the Indian management. They claim that labor officials have been bribed to remain silent, allowing the exploitation to continue unchecked.
Employees have identified the Asian human resources manager as a 'brutally heartless individual' who treats workers like dogs, often refusing to pay them after long hours of work. The workers have given an ultimatum to local politicians to intervene in the matter, threatening to paralyze operations at the company if their concerns are not addressed.
Investigations have revealed chaotic working conditions at Jumbo Foam Mattresses, with employees being forced to perform duties beyond their initial job definitions. The company has implemented a 'piece rate' system, where employees are paid per task completed, regardless of their contract status.
Drivers and turnboys are among the worst affected, with some earning as little as Sh1050 for a trip to Mombasa. They are expected to cover their own expenses, including food and accommodation, during the journey. Turnboys are paid a paltry Sh300 stipend and are often forced to sleep in the lorry cabin during the trip.
A driver shared a harrowing account of being forced to work long hours without rest, only to be expected to embark on another trip immediately after. The National Transport and Safety Authority has been urged to investigate the matter, as it poses a significant risk to road safety.
Permanently fatigued drivers working for Jumbo Foam Mattresses are a common sight on major highways, with their employer showing little regard for regulations governing commercial truck drivers. Employment contracts are often verbal, and drivers are subjected to 'fuel recovery' deductions, which can significantly reduce their salaries.
Women working at the factory are also subjected to harsh working conditions, earning as little as Sh150 a day. They are paid Sh3 per block of mattress they sew, making it a miracle for them to sew up to 50 blocks in a single day.
