Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, on Wednesday, June 19, remarked that it was not easy to fight for worker’s rights at Standard Group PLC.
Speaking during a press conference, the trade unionist remarked that his hands were considerably tied because his wife Mary Kilobi worked with the media organisation.
Addressing the plight of workers in the company going for months without salary, Atwoli promised to champion their plight albeit with caution.
He further revealed that he had initiated talks with former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who is a major shareholder in the company.
“You know very well that the main shareholder of Standard Media Group is Gideon Of Kanu. I had a long conversation with him up to a certain extent,” he told journalists.
“I did not want to go further than that otherwise he would have said your wife also works there.”
Atwoli remarked that he was afraid if he pushed Gideon Moi further, he would have been told off for fighting for his wife.
Despite the challenge, Atwoli revealed that Gideon Moi had assured him that some of the challenges affecting the media house would be solved.
“What we are praying is that it should not go under because it might not come out after it has gone under and it will be a big problem,” he added.
Atwoli remarked that the recent change of leadership at Standard Group could turn the fortunes of the media house around.
The media firm appointed Marion Gathoga-Mwangi as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2024.
As Standard Group PLC continues with internal restructuring, Atwoli warned that mainstream media risked being overrun by social media.
He advocated for laws that would protect mainstream media from being subjected to competition from social media.
