The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) has issued a scathing press statement today, condemning Standard Group PLC for its failure to pay salaries to its employees.
Employees at Standard Group have reportedly gone without pay for six months, with photographers and correspondents enduring a 10-month salary drought.
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“We have tried negotiations with management to find solutions, but regrettably, only unfulfilled promises were made. We are saying Enough is Enough!” stated Erick Oduor, Secretary-General of KUJ
It also warned of a potential solidarity strike by media workers if Standard Group did not meet its demands and present a payment plan to settle its arrears within 14 days.
The press conference held in Nairobi addressed the ongoing crisis within the media company, which owns media outlets such as Standard Newspaper, KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Vybez FM, and others.
The union highlighted that the non-payment of salaries is not only illegal but immoral and a gross violation of human rights. Emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of workers, which are protected by the Employment Act and guaranteed by Article 41 of the Constitution.
Stating that the poor terms of service and non-payment of salaries are not only a legal issue but a threat to press freedom and the credibility of the country’s media industry.
“We call upon the board of Standard PLC to respect the rights of these workers and meet their end of the bargain so that their staff can live in dignity and meet their financial obligations,” said KUJ In its statement.
Further urging the company to explain the situation and asking for investigations into the company’s financial transactions and an explanation of what went wrong.
It was also noted that workers have suffered losses in their savings with Standard Sacco due to non-remittances from the company. They called upon the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority to help members recover their funds.
Read more: Standard Group seeks more job cuts with voluntary early retirement offer
Earlier this year Standard Group extended an extensive voluntary early retirement offer to its staff offering up to 15 days severance pay and other benefits to those who opted to leave their jobs amid a broader company restructuring effort in a bid to stay afloat.
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