Kenya: Central Organisation of Trade Union (Cotu) has claimed that Government operatives are using a teachers’ union to bring down the workers’ body.
Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli
Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli said his quest to defend workers over the Sh7.1 billion National Social Security Fund project is being fought to discredit his efforts.
“They provide checks on Atwoli and Cotu and this saw them hurriedly assemble in Mombasa to announce the launch of a federation to rival Cotu,” said Atwoli in a statement read by Communications Workers Union Secretary General Benson Okwaro.
Meanwhile, affiliate members of Cotu have dismissed the formation of a rival workers’ association saying the move was aimed at undermining Cotu.
Interest of workers
Speaking in Nakuru County yesterday, officials of 10 trade unions said the parallel umbrella body that was formed in Mombasa early this week was being championed by self-seekers. The officials led by the General Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Private School Teachers Markey Sakayo said the Federation of Public Service Trade Unions of Kenya would not serve the interests of workers.
“Kenya County Government Workers Union Secretary General Roba Duba denied any association with the new federation. “I will not be party to weakening Cotu. My workers decided a long time where they want to be. I have not been approached to join any other trade union and I don’t think I will. My stand is clear,” said Duba.
By Lonah Kibet and Steve Mkawale, The Standard
