The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) began urgent talks with the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) on Friday, October 9, to resolve labour grievances after workers threatened to down tools.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement shared with Kenyans.co.ke , KPC confirmed receiving the strike notice from the union, led by Secretary General George Okoth, raising concerns over several unresolved issues.

The company said negotiations were ongoing, including engagements facilitated by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), expressing hope that the dispute would be resolved before the seven days lapse.

“Discussions between Management and the Union remain ongoing, including engagements facilitated by third parties such as the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE),” KPC stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The latest strike threat comes amid ongoing disagreements between the company and the union over employee welfare, collective bargaining agreements and the implementation of workers' benefits.

KPC maintained that it was committed to honouring its agreements with employees and complying with labour laws governing its relationship with the aggrieved workers.

“KPC is committed to respecting and fully implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and complying with all applicable labour laws governing its relationship with unionisable employees,” the company stated.

KPOWU had raised concerns over collective bargaining agreements, outstanding allowances and the terms governing employees affected by organisational changes.

The union has also challenged some management decisions involving staff medical arrangements and restructuring initiatives, highlighting broader disagreements over workers' welfare and the company's operations.

The company urged the union to resolve the outstanding issues through formal engagement, arguing that public exchanges would not help settle the dispute.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke