Unionists and workers in Nakuru joined other Kenyans in marking the Labour Day celebrations at the Afraha Stadium.
Led by Kenya Union of Commercial Food and Allied Workers Nakuru branch secretary Mr Thomas Ochola, the unionists said despite labour laws being put in place, workers have continued to be subjected to suffering by the employers and the government.
While noting the poor attendance of workers for the Labour Day celebrations, Mr Ochola called on employers to ensure that all workers rights are respected, adding that workers should be allowed to join others in celebrating Labour Day besides joining unions.
He also took an issue with the county government of Nakuru led by Governor Lee Kinyanjui for allegedly not allowing workers to join in the celebrations.
This, he said, is contrary to the labour laws and the rights of workers as far as freedom of association is concerned.
In line with the theme for this year’s Labour Day celebrations ‘Eradicate corruption for decent jobs’, Mr Ochola called on the three arms of government to up their game in the fight against graft.
He refuted claims that workers' unions have begun to embrace some political alignments making some workers to keep off such celebrations.
“We expected workers to fill this stadium but from the look of things, the employers have failed to heed to labour laws and their rights hence they did not make it. We are therefore calling on all employers starting with the county government of Nakuru to ensure workers attend such occasions,” said Mr Ochola.
The sentiments were echoed by Mr Henry Masira from Bakers’ Union who blamed the employers over what he termed is the outsourcing of workers.
According to Mr Masira, the employers are demanding so much from workers leading to some workers being forced to work even on holidays and overtime, an issue he says should be addressed.
“Many companies and employers are now shifting to outsourcing which is affecting the industry where workers rights are violated,” said Mr Masira.
On his part, Francis Makokha from the County Workers Union slammed Governor Kinyanjui for skipping the event.
According to Makokha who was also among the organisers of the celebrations, the organising committee had written to Governor Kinyanjui requesting him to grace the occasion or send a representative but he failed to do so.
“The failure by the governor to attend these celebrations is a big let down to the workers of this county,” said Mr Makokha.