STRIKE NOTICE

The union of Kenya Civil Servants Thursday threatened to call a nationwide strike next month if a collective bargaining agreement between them and the government is not honored.

Acccording to the union's Secretary General Tom Odege, the government has declined to sign the agreement that could have seen civil servants allowances reviewed upwards.

Odege says if the increments are not reflected in their member's payslips this month, then the union will have no other option but to call upon their members to down their tools starting 1st July.

Odege who was speaking at Ufundi co-operative plaza where he was accompanied by other union officials asked the government to pay the remaining 17 percent salary hike agreed upon in 2007.

Civil servants in 2007 got a 45 percent salary increment but the government has so far managed to pay 28 percent.

The Union boss said civil servants were yet to paid commuter/transport allowance and the harmonized house and hardship allowances as negotiated in the CBA.

He said only officers in Job Group R, teachers and judicial employees were enjoying the allowance which he said had not been factored in the 2010/2011budget.

" The allowance was introduced as a government policy through a cabinet authority. In our talks we agreed but the government later declined signing the agreement without giving any explanations to date" he said

He added " having petitioned the Minister, PS and PM Raila odinga, no meaningful negotiations have been realized except promises. The union leadership now feels cheated and betrayed"

Odege however maintained that they were open for negotiations with the government.

" We maintain as a union we are still ready to resume and conclude negotiations with the employer only if they indicate reasonable progress and timeline within which these issues will be addressed" he said.