Standard Group PLC attempted to reassure stakeholders Thursday despite Kenya’s economic crisis, saying in a press release it is staying focused on innovation and diversification to drive revenue.
But employees claim it’s been up to 10 months since they’ve been paid.
The prominent media company, which owns outlets like Standard Newspaper, KTN, KTN News, Radio Maisha, and others, said in the release its “highly professional staff have remained committed” amid challenges like significant outstanding debts owed to Standard Group.
“This issue remains a top priority for the company and is being addressed accordingly,” the release stated vaguely.
Standard Group said it is undertaking initiatives like major cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and business restructuring “to conform to current economic realities.”
“We are making great strides in this regard and continue to walk the path of progress towards continued growth and service to the public and all our stakeholders, including, importantly, our staff,” the optimistic release stated.
Earlier Thursday, the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) slammed Standard Group in a scathing statement for failing to pay salaries to employees for up to 10 months.
Photographers and correspondents have gone without pay for nearly a year, while some staff haven’t been paid in over 6 months, according to KUJ Secretary-General Erick Oduor.
“We have tried negotiations with management to find solutions, but regrettably, only unfulfilled promises were made. We are saying Enough is Enough!” Oduor said at a charged press conference Thursday morning.
KUJ warned of a potential country-wide media strike within 14 days if Standard Group fails to present a payment plan to immediately settle months of salary arrears owed to employees.
The union called the systematic nonpayment “illegal” and “immoral,” saying it threatens press freedom and the credibility of Kenya’s media industry at a crucial time when accurate, unbiased journalism is needed most.
KUJ urged Standard Group’s board of directors 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.”
