Unions try to end Kenyan bank strike

From World Socialist Website, 23 August 1998

The Kenya Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has stepped in to end a two-week-long strike by 1,200 bank workers. The strike has closed 63 banks and other financial institutions. The Union of Commercial,

Food and Allied Workers (UCFAW) called in the umbrella union organization after workers refused the UCFAW's demand that they return to work.

The workers are striking to oppose the move by the government of President Daniel Arap Moi to impose a new tax on staff loans. A strike over the same issue brought the banking industry to a standstill in February and March, but was called off when the government suspended the tax.

The spokesman for the All Bank Workers Shop Stewards said the strikers would only return to work if the tax were withdrawn and if the banks agreed to meet other minimal conditions. These include the withdrawal of dismissal letters served on strikers, no victimizations and no attempt to force workers to reapply for their positions.