Central Organization of Trade Unions(COTU) Francis Atwoli has come out to clarify ongoing claims of sexual harassment, delayed salaries and unlawful dismissal of employees at the organization.
This comes after complaints reported by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi by an employee, who wished to remain anonymous.
In the lengthy thread, the employee had accused the union’s management of salary delays without explanations, low payments, unbiased promotions and salary increments.
“For several months, we have experienced salary delays without explanation from management. The bosses are busy travelling as normal staff struggle with late salary payments, low payments, and biased promotions and salary increments.
“Anyone who tries to speak out against these ills is fired without due procedure,” the purported employee said.
The employee went on to decry rampant sexual harassment targeting young girls joining for internship.
“Staff are forced to join some SACCO, which no one can explain how they arrive at the deductions. Nobody knows where that SACCO is, who its officials are, or even its physical location — but we are still forced to be deducted.
“We are over-deducted on issues we don’t even understand. We go home with nothing,” the employee added.
Atwoli responds
But in a subsequent rejoinder, COTU boss Atwoli dismissed the claims affirming that they are defamatory remarks aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the union.
Atwoli gave account of events as he termed the employeee’s remarks as baseless allegations deeply motivated by personal vendetta.
He clarified that the union has always prioritized the welfare of employees, thus they are always paid on time.
The outspoken COTU boss also addressed the concern of unlawful dismissal stating that no employee has ever been dismissed unfairly and that all who have been mentioned resigned at their own free will to take up other roles in the private and government sectors.
“As seen, the previous employees who have left COTU (K) has since taken senior positions both in private sector and in government.
“Equally all those mentioned who have since left COTU (K) have since paid their service payments and dues and none has since complained,” he said.
Atwoli detailed that only one employee was dismissed abruptly due to gross negligence and glaring incompetence.
He, however, shared that the employee’s termination followed due process and despite his misconduct, the organization chose not to pursue legal action.
“While still under probation (considering by the time he was sacked he had only been in COTU (K) for four (4) months, he attempted to change COTU’s payroll for personal financial gain and even altered he organization’s logo.
“His dismissal followed due process, and despite his conduct, COTU (K) chose not to pursue legal action against him,” he added.
On sexual harassment, Atwoli reiterated the organization’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism saying the union has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment.
He insisted that the union has a well-defined Sexual Harassment Police and a safeguarding policy that ensures any complaints are handled swiftly and decisively.
“Staff members are, in fact, encouraged to report any such cases both internally and to relevant authorities.
“As of today, no serving officer and or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” Atwoli added.
Conclusively, he reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and upholding the highest standards of transparency, fairness and accountability.
He also asked the public to disregard the claims and reach out to the union for any clarifications.
