Atwoli, employers’ federation boss Mugo split over salary increase … – The Star, Kenya

COTU has dismissed assertions by employers that increasing worker's minimum wage will push potential investors to relocate to other countries.

Secretary general Francis Atwoli said the statement by FKE is not only misleading but doesn't also make economic sense.

He castigated FKE boss Jacqueline Mugo for insinuating that wage increases have pushed companies' cost of doing business by 30 per cent.

"This is unacceptable when the very companies have been talking the same language over the years yet they are stuck here in Kenya."

"If at all doing business in Kenya is expensive, why not proceed as of yesterday to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia and anywhere else?"Atwoli asked.

He said in a press statement that Kenya houses the headquarters of most companies including those operating in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi among others.

Atwoli said the entities' monies are in Kenyan banks adding that such comparisons are a clear mockery to the Kenyan workers.

"We caution employers not to be proud of paying slavery wages to their employees."

He said COTU is happy with this weeks announcement by President Uhuru Kenyatta that he will consider their request.

Uhuru, when he toured the United Aryan Company, said he will impress upon employers to increase workers salaries during Labour Day.

"For the last two years, we have not increased salaries for private sector workers."

"On Labour Day, we will press upon your employers to increase your salaries," Uhuru said.

Read: Expect higher salaries after Labour Day, Uhuru tells workers

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Atwoli, employers' federation boss Mugo split over salary increase ... - The Star, Kenya