Cotu has said hiking the cost of fuel is hurting workers and urged the government to intervene.[Photo/capitalfm.co.ke]The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) has said hiking the cost of fuel is increasing the cost of doing business and hurting workers and urged the government to intervene.
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has warned in a statement that if the government fails to intervene and lower the prices, the workers union will equally demand for higher wages to compensate for the high prices of essential commodities.
“We are tired of reports of increase in oil and petroleum costs every month as fuel prices increase too. These increases have spiral effects since the cost of production for business increases too. Further, the increase in cost of energy triggers inflation thus lowering the purchasing power of workers,” Atwoli said.
“Failure by the government to cushion workers against this increases, then let it be prepared for direct confrontation from workers in demand for pay increase from the entire labour fraternity and all sectors of the economy,” added Atwoli.
The union wants the state to cushion workers who bear the cost of increased fares as public transport normally takes advantage of the increase in fuel prices to hike fares.
Atwoli added that the government should uphold its promise of providing cheap energy pointing out that stability in fuel prices is necessary for economic growth.