President Uhuru Kenyatta Sunday, May 1, appeared to turn down Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli's request during the Labour Day celebrations.
Speaking at Nyayo Stadium, Atwoli implored the Head of State as well as the National Assembly to review powers held by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) when it comes to wage negotiations.
He argued that in the Constitution, the commission had been allocated an advisory role but attempted, on numerous occasions, to usurp the powers of other negotiators.
He further argued that SRC is not allowed to set wages and income for workers noting that the move had caused disquiet within the public service.
"The minimum wage opens up CBAs. When we fought for SRC to be in our Constitution, it was in an advisory role. Little did we know that it was going to usurp powers of free and independent collective bargaining.
"This has caused unhappiness within the public service Unions and civil servants per se. They are not supposed to set wages and income for workers. This is a universal requirements that we bargain collectively free and fair were worker and employer can exercise give and take basis," he stated.
In his response, the President noted that he had attempted to change the Constitution (through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), but his efforts had been unsuccessful.
Uhuru further noted that the decision to make the changes now lay with the public in the upcoming General Election.
"Atwoli my friend, I and Raila struggled and went around the country asking for a chance to change the Constitution. We sweat for that but others said that they do not want it. You (public) will answer that in the upcoming elections.
"I know where my thoughts are and I tried but I do not have all the powers. The powers were taken by the court. You will decide whether we want to change (the Constitution)," responded the Head of State.
In his speech, however, Uhuru announced that the minimum wage is increased by 12 per cent effective Sunday, May 1.
Atwoli, in his address, had remained adamant that the union would still consult with Uhuru, even after he leaves office, to ensure that the welfare of workers across the country is taken care of.
He argued that the late President Daniel Moi had served as a consultant up to his death.
"Until recently when our second president of the Republic of Kenya Mzee Daniel Moi became ill and passed on, we were visiting him for advice. You being young, there is no anywhere you will hide. President Uhuru you will not hide.
"We will be there. We will come to you for advice and support. As you exit, support your Azimio aspiring candidate without fear or favour," he revealed.
The COTU SG also challenged the Head of State to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as his successor 'without fear or favour.'
