[Kenya] Trade union body denies delayed salaries and staff mistreatment

In Kenya, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has strongly refuted recent claims regarding the mistreatment of staff, delayed salary payments and allegations of sexual harassment within the organisation, Capital News reports.

COTU described the allegations, which began on social media, as malicious and defamatory.

It reportedly claimed that they were part of a vendetta intended to tarnish the reputation of the workers’ union.

A statement from the union body said, “These baseless allegations, which are clearly motivated by personal vendetta, misrepresent the facts and seek to mislead the public.”

In its statement, COTU (K) said the welfare of its employees has always been a top priority, including ensuring prompt salary payments and said fraudulent actions were dealt with.

COTU reportedly reiterated that all former employees were paid their dues and service payments, adding that none had raised complaints since leaving.

“The only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant, Mark Silas Sangalo, attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary,” the statement read.

 “His incompetence and unethical conduct led to administrative delays, which were promptly resolved once he was relieved of his duties,” it added.

The organisation also dismissed claims of unfair staff dismissals. According to COTU, previous employees who left did so voluntarily for personal or professional reasons.

On sexual harassment allegations made against it, COTU reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on such matters.

 “As of today, no serving officer or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” the statement read.

Source: Capital News

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Kenya, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has strongly refuted recent claims regarding the mistreatment of staff, delayed salary payments and allegations of sexual harassment within the organisation, Capital News reports.

COTU described the allegations, which began on social media, as malicious and defamatory.

It reportedly claimed that they were part of a vendetta intended to tarnish the reputation of the workers’ union.

A statement from the union body said, “These baseless allegations, which are clearly motivated by personal vendetta, misrepresent the facts and seek to mislead the public.”

In its statement, COTU (K) said the welfare of its employees has always been a top priority, including ensuring prompt salary payments and said fraudulent actions were dealt with.

COTU reportedly reiterated that all former employees were paid their dues and service payments, adding that none had raised complaints since leaving.

“The only instance of delayed salaries occurred when a former payroll accountant, Mark Silas Sangalo, attempted to fraudulently manipulate the payroll to increase his own salary,” the statement read.

 “His incompetence and unethical conduct led to administrative delays, which were promptly resolved once he was relieved of his duties,” it added.

The organisation also dismissed claims of unfair staff dismissals. According to COTU, previous employees who left did so voluntarily for personal or professional reasons.

On sexual harassment allegations made against it, COTU reportedly reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on such matters.

 “As of today, no serving officer or official of COTU (K) is facing any allegations or investigations related to sexual harassment,” the statement read.

Source: Capital News

(Quotes via original reporting)