Some of the workers involved in the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Naivasha after going on strike near Satellite centre in Mai Mahiu in.[Photo-Daily Nation]
Construction activities of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in the Naivasha section has been paralysed by striking workers.
The strike has entered day three.
The more than 800 workers from the Satellite in Mai Mahiu defied a three-hour notice by the Chinese contractor to resume duties.
The workers vowed not to resume their duties until their grievances, that include a salary increment, were fully addressed by the contraction firm.
This strike comes just two weeks after two workers were killed after they were crushed while on duty in between the railway line from Nairobi to Olkaria.
Peter Kuria who is one of the workers, says those on the site were being paid lower wages as compared to their colleagues working in other parts where the railway pass.
Mr Kuria said they had raised the issue with the contractor, but he has refused completely to hear their grievances forcing them to down tools.
“Currently, work in this area has been completely paralysed and we shall not resume duties until our grievances are addressed,” he said.
The workers accused the contractor of subjecting them to poor working conditions.
Mai Mahiu chief Zachary Igeria, who has been arbitrating the issue, admitted that the discussion had proved to be futile since the contractors gave them a cold reception.
He said the issue of salary could only be addressed by union officials.