Kenya Pipeline Issues Statement as Oil Workers Issue Strike Notice

Kenya Pipeline Company PLC (KPC) has confirmed receiving a strike notice from the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) as the two parties continue discussions over issues affecting unionisable employees.

In a statement, the company acknowledged a press conference held by the union on Saturday, October 10, saying it had taken note of the issues raised by the union in its strike notice.

"Kenya Pipeline Company PLC has noted a press conference held earlier today by the Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU), portions of which have been carried by various media outlets," the statement read.

KPC confirmed that it had formally received the union's strike notice, signalling a potential industrial dispute as negotiations between the two sides continue.

"KPC further confirms that it is in receipt of a strike notice issued by the Union and has taken note of the matters raised therein," the statement added.

KPC maintained that it was committed to meeting its contractual obligations to employees and adhering to the legal framework governing labour relations. 

The company said it would continue to respect the terms agreed upon with unionisable employees under their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

"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 statement further read.

KPC also emphasised the importance of maintaining a working relationship with KPOWU, arguing that resolving the dispute through established channels would serve the interests of employees, the company and the public.

"The Company values its long-standing relationship with the Union and believes that the interests of employees, the Company and the public are best served through established industrial relations mechanisms and constructive engagement," the statement noted.

KPC disclosed that negotiations with the union were still ongoing, with some discussions facilitated by third parties, including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE).

"Discussions between Management and the Union remain ongoing, including engagements facilitated by third parties such as the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)," the statement read.

KPC urged the parties to continue using the existing engagement mechanisms to address the outstanding issues, expressing reservations about public exchanges as a means of resolving the dispute.

"While the Company remains focused on resolving any outstanding matters through these processes, it does not believe that public exchanges will aid their resolution. The Company will, however, continue to engage the Union through appropriate forums with a view to resolving the issues raised," the statement concluded.

This comes days after KPC warned the public against a fake advertisement circulating on social media and other platforms claiming to offer industrial attachment and internship opportunities at the company.

The fake advert claims that KPC has advertised attachment opportunities across several locations, with 156 slots in Mombasa, 13 in Nairobi, 147 in Nakuru, 147 in Eldoret and 162 in Kisumu.

However, in an update on Thursday, October 1, KPC cautioned members of the public against engaging with the advert or providing personal information to individuals behind the claims.

"Kenya Pipeline Company would like to alert the public about a fake job advert for industrial attachments and internships currently going around on social media and other platforms," the update read.

KPC urged job seekers and students seeking industrial attachment opportunities to exercise caution when responding to recruitment messages, particularly those requesting personal information or payments.

"Please be careful and do not share your personal details or send money in response to the advert," the update added.

KPC further clarified that it does not require applicants to pay fees when applying for jobs or during its recruitment process.

"KPC does not charge any fees for job applications or recruitment. For genuine job opportunities, always check our official website www.kpc.co.ke and verified social media pages," the update further read.