Kenya Tea Development Agency Employees under the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Worker's Union (KPAWU) have a reason to smile.
This is after a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was signed on Thursday between KTDA and KPAWU.
The CBA spanning a duration of two years, paves the way for a 13 per cent increase in wages for the employees under the union.
The CBA was signed by Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli who doubles up as KWAPU's SG and Boniface Ayub, Employee Relations Manager at the (KTDA).
The signing of the agreement was done at the union headquarters in Nakuru.
“This momentous event signals a new chapter in the history of industrial relations within the Kenyan tea sector,” Atwoli said.
“It underscores the commitment of KPAWU and KTDA to better the lives of those who form the backbone of this vital industry,” he added.
According to a statement by COTU, the signing of the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both KPAWU and KTDA to enhancing the livelihoods and welfare of their members.
“The wage increase is poised to have a lasting impact on the quality of life for the hardworking employees within the tea industry,” Atwoli said.
Atwoli and Ayub expressed their mutual enthusiasm for the CBA's potential to bring about positive change, not only for the employees but also for the Kenyan tea industry as a whole.
They further noted that they look forward to the fruitful implementation of the signed agreement and the realisation of its benefits.
Last week, Atwoli said he would seek to hold a meeting with President William Ruto’s panel of advisers to discuss the rising cost of living.
Speaking during the IndustriALL Global Union, Sub-Saharan Africa regional committee meeting in Mombasa, Atwoli said the objective of the meeting is to explore potential solutions to address it.
“I have initiated communication with His Excellency President William Ruto, seeking a high-level meeting with his advisers and relevant ministries,” he said.
The unionist has held a neutral position over the matter even as the Opposition continued to mount pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to address it.
In his petition to the National Dialogue Committee, Atwoli came in defence of the government saying some of the contributing factors such as global economic trends and international commodity prices are beyond the government's control.
He, however, stated that there are numerous areas where the Kenya Kwanza administration can proactively intervene to mitigate the impact on its citizens.