Workers at the American-owned Del Monte fruit processor in Murang'a County are upset as the firm starts implementing reduced working days for its casual laborers, intent on cutting down operational costs.
Company's production manager Wayne Cook has issued an internal memo indicating that working days for each casual worker will average at 13 per month. But the memo warned that the days can be revised downwards, depending on circumstances.
Workers' spokesman Stephen Makau now says the days have been reduced to only three per month: "We are suffering and we are going through hell. Our pay slips are reflecting zero shillings as net pay. We cannot save and we can no longer be described as workers... maybe slaves."
The workers had planned a protest march to the company's headquarters but decided to give dialogue a chance. A meeting to initiate talks has been slated for Friday.
