This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
On December 19, 2019, the High Court issued an order requiring Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to continue deducting and remitting union dues from its employees to the Kenya Plantations and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).
The order was issued after KPAWU moved to the Employment and Labour Relations Court to challenge KTDA's decision to promote most of its staff, who are members of the union, into management positions.
According to the court documents, the union seeks to compel KTDA to comply with all the terms of service, including paying house allowances to all employees allocated in all regions.
Speaking in Nakuru, KPAWU Deputy General Secretary Thomas Kipkemboi said KTDA had plans to convert close to 12,000 staff under the union to management levels.
“They were planning to promote all employees including sweepers; there are about 60 factories in the entire country. Who will remain a general worker,” Kipkemboi said.
Justice Monica Mbaru during her ruling allowed the application by KPAWU and issued interim orders.
“In the interim and pending service and respondent reply for a hearing of the application on January 21, 2020, the respondent (KTDA) shall comply with the terms and conditions of CBA between parties, deduct and remit the trade union dues owing to the applicant (KPAWU) from its members,” read part of the order.
