Mombasa Port workers during the labour day celebrations at Tononoka grounds. [Photo: Maxwel Mgendi/ hivisasa.com]
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Mombasa branch has criticized politicians in the county for failing to attend the Labour Day celebrations.Coast region COTU Secretary general Gedion Mutiso said politicians in the county led by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho snubbed the important function despite having a greater mandate to defend workers' rights.Mutiso said the failure to attend the celebrations was a sign that elected leaders were not interested in working towards the realisation of workers' rights.He accussed MPs of only being interested in fighting for their salary increment while in parliamnet.He challenged political leaders to work very closely with COTU to create a conducive environment for workers.“I am totally disappointed by these leaders who care less about workers in their own back yard, they should heed our calls and apologize for ignoring us,” said Mutiso.He said if politicians will not join hands with the union and other stakeholders in fighting for workers' rights then they should not ask for their votes.“If they cannot unite with us now then they will not do it after they are elected. We should shun them,” he added.Meanwhile, Mutiso said COTU was only interested in getting workers a 22 per cent increment and not the 18 per cent that was allocated by President Uhuru Kenyatta, adding that they will fight until the President heeds their call.Only nominated MCA Priscilla Mumba attended the function.