Hotel Workers Get 10 Percent Salary Increase After CBA Approval

The Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) and the Union representing the workers have officially signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will see hotel workers get a 10 percent increase in salaries by the end of 2019.

According to the agreement – which has been advocated for by the workers for decades – sets the terms and conditions of employment that will also see them get an additional 8.5 percent rise in wages by 2020.

Moreover, the hotel workers will also be paid a service charge of 7 percent, and a further 5.5 percent on beverages, a formal tip that is meant to improve staff performance.

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Chris Musau, the Association’s Chairman, urged both sides to strictly follow the new conditions that encompass a medical scheme, leave allowance, travel allowance as well as other allowances.

“The highlights include 7 percent service charge to be earned by unionisable employees on sales and 5.5 percent on beverages. These two bodies are tasked with the responsibility of investigating disputes and training both employers and employees on industrial relations,” Masau said

Speaking at the event, Albert Njeru, Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) Secretary-General, said that CBA brings unity between the employer and employee together.

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“For better productivity, economic and social empowerments we have to make sure our employers are doing the right things, this goes to KAC as we challenge them,” he said.

He also insists that KAC should deliver a better environment for workers as they are ready to work and make a change.

“CBA enables us to get sustainable creation of employment so we need a change from the infrastructure of the country, the Kenyan employees should not be overcharged, and Kenyan youth have no jobs we need to fight corruption so as to create employment opportunities,” Njeru stated.

After the fruitful negotiations, hotel workers can now rest easy knowing that a covenant they have been championing for since the 1960s has come to pass.