Dockers workers union officials differ over new labour company

Dock Workers Union officials led by Secretary General Simon Sang (seated) address the press in Mombasa

Dock workers unionists have differed over formation of a company intended to provide casual labourers to ships.

Two groups – one led by Dock Workers Union (DWU) General Secretary Simon Sang and the other by National Chairman Mohamed Sheria — have differed over establishment of the company’s board.

Mr Sang yesterday produced minutes of DWU meeting allegedly held on August 6, last year, at the union boardroom that endorsed formation of the Seafarers/Dock Labour board.

He said the union resolved to form the board to ensure seafarers engaged by ship contractors at the port get better pay.

“Formation of the Seafarers/Dock Labour Board was agreed in our meeting of August 6, 2018, and it is not a personal company,” Sang explained.

Last year’s meeting was chaired by Vice-Chairman Gunda Kaneno who has, however, teamed up with Mr Sheria and disowned the new company.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Sheria challenged Mr Sang to explain why he formed Docks Labour Board Company.

“Sang should tell us why he has accepted the privatisation of our main services, that is, verification and stevedoring services without our consent and now pretends to defend us in the second container terminal case. We are also opposed to his decision to form the Docks Labour Board Company,” said Sheria.