The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has issued a directive ordering all private security firms to cease deducting and remitting security guards’ monthly trade union fee contributions to the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
According to a press release, PSRA argued that private security guards have dutifully contributed monthly trade union fees, ranging from KSh 150 to KSh 600, to COTU despite their modest wages and absence of representation by COTU.
PSRA raised concerns over COTU’s efficacy in advocating for the rights, compliance with minimum wage regulations, and general welfare of private security guards. The press release signed by PSRA CEO Fazul Mahamed faulted the Francis Atwoli-led COTU for not living up to its mandate to represent workers and actively advocate for their social and economic welfare.
“Notably, private security officers constitute a large percentage of COTU’S membership and despite their low salaries have faithfully contributed trade union fees to COTU for decades. Regrettably, notwithstanding their significant financial contributions, COTU has not lived up to its mandate and has persistently disregarded, declined, and/or neglected to advocate for their rights, advocate for compliance with minimum wage and promote their general welfare,” said PSRA.
This directive follows complaints from security guards regarding the utilisation of funds and the failure of COTU to address their welfare issues. PSRA has initiated an investigation into COTU’s handling of security guards’ contributions, which is estimated to amount to billions of shillings.
