Atwoli proposes 23% minimum wage increase ahead of Labour Day

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called for unity, calm and urgent economic reforms to protect workers, proposing a 23 per cent minimum wage increase amid rising inflation and economic pressure.

Speaking on Saturday ahead of International Labour Day, Atwoli warned that political instability, outsourcing and the digital economy are threatening jobs and overall economic stability.

He emphasised that COTU will push for stronger collective bargaining agreements, legal reforms and improved worker compensation.

The COTU boss also stressed that peace and stability are key to protecting jobs and attracting investment, warning that weak leadership and political interference could collapse organisations and worsen conditions for workers and families.

“Ukifika pahali employer anajifanya mjanja, kuja hapa. We will carry out research on that particular employer, and we will be able to pin him down tukikusaidia through the Labour and Employment Court," Atwoli said.

"You must be alert because it is politics that brings a country down and when the country goes down, it goes with workers, women and children.”