Kenya’s oldest media house, Standard Group Plc, is facing a potential shutdown as journalists threaten to strike over unpaid salaries and limited benefits.
The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), a trade union that improves, protects and promotes media freedom, professionalism and ethical standards in the media industry, is accusing the company for violating workers’ rights by withholding salaries for seven months, putting a significant strain on employees during a period of high living costs.
Despite previous attempts to resolve the issue, KUJ claims the company’s inaction has pushed staff to the brink.
“We raised these issues in the past, but it seems the company is sinking deeper and staff are on the verge of losing their savings as well if the Board of Directors do not move with speed and address the situation,” said Mr Erick Oduor, Secretary General KUJ who added that:
“…failure to which we shall force a total shutdown of operations of Standard Group PLC in the next 14 days. In this regard, we have issued a 14-day strike notice to the Cabinet Secretary for Labour on our intention to stage a work boycott over the following issues.”
Key Demands from KUJ
- Payment of Salary Arrears: A concrete and acceptable plan to settle the outstanding six months of salary is required. Failure to address this will lead to a work stoppage.
- Resolution of Standard Group Sacco Debt: The company’s non-payment threatens staff savings invested in the Standard Group Sacco. KUJ demands a plan to restore Sacco’s health within 14 days. Legal action is a possibility if this is not addressed.
- Full Restoration of Medical Benefits: Limitations placed on staff medical claims are deemed unacceptable. The union demands a full reinstatement of the medical scheme for all employees.
- Suspension of Biometric Registration: The collection of biometric data to enforce a new reporting time policy is seen as an intimidation tactic, insensitive to the staff’s current financial struggles.
The KUJ holds the Standard Group Board of Directors accountable for the situation and warns that continued inaction will not be tolerated.
“History will judge you harshly for allowing whatever is happening in the oldest media company in the region. We put on notice all media companies in the country to pay their journalists because this affects media freedom.”
