A section of employees working at The Village Rooftop Restaurant in Kilimani has raised concerns about what they describe as challenging working conditions, barely a month after the establishment began operations.

According to workers who spoke on condition of anonymity, concerns have emerged regarding long working hours, lack of overtime compensation, and the absence of transport arrangements for staff who leave work late at night.

The employees claim that they are frequently required to work beyond their normal schedules to support the restaurant's operations, particularly during busy periods. However, they allege that the additional hours worked are not compensated through overtime payments despite the extended shifts.

"We understand that the hospitality industry can be demanding, especially for a new business trying to establish itself. However, employees also deserve fair treatment and compensation for the extra hours they put in," one worker said.

The concerns do not end with overtime.

Employees say the restaurant often closes late into the night, forcing staff members to leave work at hours when public transport options are limited and security risks are significantly higher. According to the workers, no transport arrangements are currently provided for employees who finish work during these late hours.

Several workers claim that this has exposed them to safety concerns while commuting home, particularly those who live far from Kilimani and must rely on public transport or alternative means to travel after midnight.

"Some of us leave work very late and have to find our own way home. It becomes stressful because of the security risks involved, especially for those travelling long distances," another employee said.

The workers say many employees continue reporting to work despite the challenges because they depend on their jobs to earn a living and support their families. However, they argue that the current arrangement has become increasingly difficult and unsustainable.

Labour rights advocates have long argued that employers have a responsibility to ensure reasonable working conditions for employees, including fair compensation for overtime worked and measures that protect workers' welfare, particularly where shifts extend into late-night hours.

The employees are now calling on the management of The Village Rooftop Restaurant to review the working conditions and address the concerns raised by staff. Among the issues they would like addressed are overtime compensation, reasonable working schedules, and safe transport arrangements for employees required to work late into the night.

They are also appealing to the Ministry of Labour and other relevant authorities to assess the situation and ensure that labour laws and workplace welfare standards are being observed.

"We are not trying to fight our employer. We simply want fair treatment and a safe working environment. Employees are the backbone of any business, and our welfare should also matter," one worker said.

As of the time of publication, The Village Rooftop Restaurant had not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims remain allegations made by employees, and the restaurant's management would need to respond to provide its perspective on the matters raised.

For the affected workers, however, the appeal is straightforward: fair pay for extra hours worked, safer conditions for employees leaving work late at night, and greater attention to staff welfare as the business continues to grow.