Workers operating cargo loaders demonstrate against inadequate wages
In the bustling port city of Mombasa, cargo loaders staged a protest against alleged exploitation by recruitment agents and poor pay, causing significant disruptions to cargo evacuation from major warehouses.
Hundreds of casual workers, who load and unload cargo, took to the streets to voice their grievances about low wage rates and harassment by brokers and employers. The protest, which involved hurling stones and blocking the Shimanzi road leading to the Port of Mombasa, resulted in the closure of most warehouses and disrupted operations for most of Tuesday morning.
The exact current wage rates have not been specified, but the loaders described their pay as "poor," triggering the strike and protests. Employers' responses included claims of harassment towards the loaders, indicating tension between the two parties, although no formal wage adjustment or negotiation outcome is cited.
The impact on cargo evacuation has been significant. Delays in cargo operations have affected not only local shipments but also aid deliveries, such as food aid to places like Juba and Congo, which have been stuck at the ports due to the strike action.
Dennis Barasa, a cargo loader, stated that he had negotiated for Sh35 for a 50 kg bag, Sh25 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh20 for any bag below 25 kg. However, the recruitment agents have come up with their own rates: Sh15 for loading or offloading a 50 kg bag, Sh7.50 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh3 for a 10 kg bag.
Mwaivu Kaluka from the Communist Party of Kenya criticized the owners of warehouses and godowns for ignoring their employees' concerns. The president has previously dealt with cartels and coffee brokers, and the cargo loaders are asking him to address the broker issue in their industry.
The police had difficulty containing the angry cargo loaders who demanded to be heard by the warehouse owners. Security officers put out bonfires lit by irritated loaders to prevent vehicles from entering the Shimanzi area. The cargo owners have agreed to pay Sh50 per bag, but the brokers want to take the money and pay Sh6 per bag.
As of now, the protest centers on fair wages and working conditions, with ongoing disruption to cargo operations and no clear resolution announced yet. The ongoing labor tensions and challenges in the Mombasa cargo handling sector continue to make headlines.
[1] The Star, "Cargo loaders protest over poor pay in Mombasa," https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-22-cargo-loaders-protest-over-poor-pay-in-mombasa
[2] Standard Digital, "Cargo loaders in Mombasa protest over poor pay," https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001446249/cargo-loaders-in-mombasa-protest-over-poor-pay
- The cargo loaders' protest in Mombasa, driven by complaints about poor pay, has extended to encompass concerns about working conditions in the politics of their industry.
- Amidst the discord, the health of communities reliant on aid deliveries, such as Juba and Congo, has been placed at risk due to delays caused by the financial standoff between cargo loaders and employers.
