Nairobi County workers end strike after pay deal

 
Pumwani Maternity Hospital workers seated outside the facility on September 11, 2013 after they went on strike. PHOTO/WILLIAM OERI

In Summary
Nairobi County government and Kenya County Government Workers Union agreed to implement CBA deal by September 30.

The strike had led to crisis with some facilities closing down.

 By MIRAJ MOHAMUD
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Nairobi County government workers have called off their strike after signing a return to work formula.

The deal signed between Nairobi County government and Kenya County Government Workers Union include an agreement to implement fully the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by September 30.

The union agreed to assist the county government in enhancing revenue collection.

The meeting between the two groups was convened following a directive by Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi who wanted the union to call off the strike that had crippled essential services to city residents.

The meeting which took place at NSSF building involved Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke , Conciliator Peter Mbae and Head of workers union Joseph Munyao among other officials from Department of Labour.

“All workers to return to work immediately from 11th September 2013” reads a statement released by the county government and union.

The City County agreed not to victimize or take any disciplinary action against the striking workers.
“No victimization or disciplinary action shall be taken against parading staff” said Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke.

The agreement further stipulates that the Nairobi City County government will withdraw disciplinary letters sent to the workers.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
The workers who have been on the strike for weeks have been demanding the implementation of a CBA agreement signed on October 12 last year between them and the Association of Local Government Employees.

In January, The Council of Nairobi lost Sh25 million a day in uncollected dues after its employees boycotted work over a pay dispute, leaving parking fees uncollected and streets littered with garbage.

The workers argue that the CBA has been implemented in all other 46 counties saying Nairobi remains the only county where it is yet to be enforced.

The strike had led to crisis with some facilities closing down.

Four of the 16 pre-term babies referred to Kenyatta National Hospital from Pumwani Maternity Hospital died on Tuesday from low birth weight and other congenital complications.
On Thursday last week City Hall announced that they were counting losses amounting to Sh35 million in revenue
Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero had said the strike was having a negative impact on the county’s revenue base and urged workers to return to work.

“Let us be dedicated. Let us bring ourselves out so that we can serve the people of Nairobi with dedication. That is what we are there for as a County Government,” he said.