Thousands of people employed by the Kenya Tea Growers Association have been granted better terms of service, including a pay rise by the Labour Court .
The employees, through the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union, had filed a case in court seeking to have their conditions of employment reviewed.
Industrial and Labour Relations Court Judge Monica Mbaru Monday said, upon analyzing the arguments presented by the workers, it was necessary for the collective bargaining agreement for the period 2014/2015 to be reviewed.
“I direct that the 2014/2015 CBA be reviewed so that on hours of work, there shall be a day rest, with pay in every working week,” said Justice Mbaru.
The review of the CBA will also include annual leave and traveling allowances, sickness and medical treatment allowances.
Retirement will be at the age of 60, with the option of voluntary retirement at 55.The grievances between KPAWU and KTGA, an umbrella association for several tea estates, started after the latter refused to offer a salary increment.
The court directed that the CBA be reviewed so that there is a pay increase of 15 % for 2014 and another 15% for 2015.