Drama Ensues as Employees Storm Company Over Worker Mistreatment

Tension gripped an Athi River textile manufacturing company on Thursday as members of the Tailors and Textile Workers Union, alongside aggrieved employees, staged a protest over alleged mistreatment of workers, poor working conditions, and labor rights violations.

The peaceful demonstration quickly descended into chaos, prompting police intervention to restore order at the company premises.

Employees gathered in significant numbers to voice complaints ranging from the mistreatment of women working night shifts to the alleged dismissal of pregnant workers and general poor working conditions at the Chinese-owned facility.

The atmosphere was charged with frustration as workers who had long suffered in silence finally found their collective voice.

"They insult us in Chinese because we don't understand. We demand a union, because employees are allowed to form unions to defend their rights, but they have denied us that right. The right to form a union," one visibly frustrated employee told reporters at the scene.

The workers' concerns were echoed by union representatives who promised government intervention.

"People from Ministry of Labour will come here tomorrow because this needs to end. You have been mistreated and they don't care about your working conditions," a union official stated during the protest.

Female employees particularly highlighted the harsh conditions they endure, with specific concerns about the treatment of expectant mothers and those working extended night shifts.

“Pregnant women get fired anyhow. Women on night shifts come in from 6:00 pm to 11:00 am the next day, and the pay is very little," one female worker lamented.

The protesters demanded an immediate meeting with the company's management to air their grievances and called upon the government to intervene and address the deteriorating situation.

Their demands were clear: recognition of their right to form a union, fair treatment of all workers, protection for pregnant employees, and reasonable working hours with appropriate compensation.

This latest industrial action adds to a growing wave of labor disputes that have rocked Kenya in recent months.

The country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in worker strikes across various sectors as employees push back against poor working conditions and unfair labor practices.

Just yesterday, university staff ended their 49-day strike, while doctors concluded a protracted four-month strike only last month after months of negotiations with the government.

The labor unrest has spread across multiple industries. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union recently issued a seven-day strike notice, demanding the resignation of the Kenya Airports Authority board. Meanwhile, the Communication Workers Union declared a nationwide strike, which paralyzed operations at the Postal Corporation of Kenya due to unpaid wages.