The Nakuru industrial court has extended orders barring a Naivasha flower farm from dismissing its employees until a suit they filed in court is heard and determined.
Justice Byram Ongaya directed Wilham (K) Limited to put on hold the termination of more than 100 employees’ contracts and allow them to enjoy their rights pending determination of the matter.
“The company should uphold employees’ rights and stop intimidating them,” said Justice Ongaya during the ruling.
Ongaya issued the directions in the case where the Kenya Plantations and Agricultural Workers Union has filed a petition seeking to overturn the company’s decision to terminate the workers’ employment.
The workers’ organisation is also asking the court to compel the firm to allow the employees freedom of association and participation in Union activities.
Through its organising secretary, Meshack Khisia, the union said the move by the management of the flower farm to stop employees from engaging in a collective bargaining agreement contravened the constitution.
The lawyer representing the company requested for 21 days to respond to the application by the workers’ union.
The case will be heard on September 23 this year.