The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has refuted social media reports alleging staff mistreatment, salary delays, sexual harassment, and unfair dismissals.
In a statement on Saturday, March 22 night, COTU said the claims are motivated by the personal vendetta of a former employee and seek to mislead the public.
“The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU), wishes to categorically refute the malicious and defamatory claims recently circulated on social media by an individual with ill intent to tarnish the reputation of the union. These baseless allegations, which are clearly motivated by personal vendetta, misrepresent the facts and seek to mislead the public,” read the statement in part.
COTU noted that it has always prioritized the welfare of its employees including timely salary payments.
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The union pointed out that the only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary.
“His incompetence and unethical conduct led to administrative delays, which were promptly resolved once he was relieved of his duties,” COTU stated.
The union also dismissed reports of unfair dismissal of its staff saying the employees who left COTU took senior positions in both the Private Sector and in Government.
COTU also said the employees who left the union have been paid their service payments and dues.
“The only employee who was dismissed was Mark Silas Sangalo, and this was due to gross negligence and glaring incompetence. His dismissal followed due process, and despite his misconduct, COTU (K) chose not to pursue legal action against him,” the union remarked.
Further, COTU refuted claims of sexual harassment of its employees noting that it upholds the highest standards of professionalism and has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.
The union mentioned that it has a well-defined Sexual Harassment Policy and a Safeguarding Policy that ensures any complaints are handled swiftly and decisively.
“As of today, no serving officer and or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” COTU added.
