Entry Instance

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{
    "id": 76554,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/76554/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 275,
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    "content": "out in the intended strike. Conservatory orders issued by the High Court under High Court Case No.64 of 2010 in the matter between the Kenya Tea Growers Association and the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union imposed injunction on the union or its agents from inciting or otherwise calling for a strike in the tea zone. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is to be noted that on the 18th October 2010, the union officials proceeded to call out tea pickers in the various tea estates in Kericho and Nandi Hills to strike. The employer proceeded to serve a notice of contempt proceedings against the union. (iii) I am further aware that as a development of the above events, two officials of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union, namely; Mr. Makoma Sire who is the union Deputy Secretary-General and Mr. Begi, the union area secretary were arrested on 25th October 2010 by the police within an estate of Sotik Tea Company Limited and taken to the police station but were released without being taken to court. Following a subsequent industrial court ruling under case Industrial Court No.1281 of 2010 on the 1st November 2010, an order restraining employers from suspending, dismissing, locking out or evicting workers on account of the strike was issued. The court, indeed, by order did call off the strike to allow for dialogue between the parties. The above being the circumstances of the tea pickers strike, I would like to confirm that no worker was arrested or harassed or charged in a court of law on account of the strike. However, police officers were deployed in the various estates as a security measure over the period. Given the circumstances of the concerns which have recurrently arisen over mechanization of tea picking in the tea zone, there is evident need for the matter to be addressed decisively and with full participation of all the stakeholders. The union and investors in the sector hold divergent views over the issue of mechanization of tea picking processes. A balance needs to be struck between the interest of the trade, investment and labour. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am aware of the worker’s apprehensions over job security. I have also taken key note of the investors concerns and the policy framework on which their position is premised. There is need for consultations and dialogue over this issue. The Agricultural Wages Council will soon address this issue with stakeholders and advice on measures which can best address issues. As matters stand today, the strike was called off by the union Secretary- General on 1st November 2010, following the Industrial Court order and the Labour Commissioner, acting on the further orders of the court, arranged for a reconciliation meeting to ensure unconditional resumption of operations in the estates which were affected by the industrial action. The parties met on 9th November and gave assurance that the strike ended and workers who may have been on intended disciplinary action are being absorbed as and when they report. Thank you."
}