Dealing with industrial relations calls for some tact

The current wave of strikes by workers has a serious effect on the lives of people and the economy.

Our education and health sectors are in a total mess. Our country is facing a crisis of monumental proportions.

Never in our history have workers been so emboldened in their quest for better remuneration and good working conditions. Starting with the health workers and teachers in public schools, all of them are clamouring for better terms of service. The Government is on the receiving end.

It should dawn on Kenyans that we are going through a democratisation process. Our people are adjusting to enhanced rights and responsibilities.

Like all other democratic and progressive constitutions where the masses are enjoying their rights, the Kenyan worker is basking in expanded bill of rights.

The labour provisions in the Constitution give employees far-reaching rights and privileges. Learning how to handle these rights responsibly is proving a big challenge.

Of paramount importance is the understanding that workers will always express discontentment with perks they earn. Sometimes the workers may resort to industrial action if the employer does not meet their pay demands. Employers, government included, are advised to resolve them expeditiously.

Dealing with industrial relations calls for some tact on part of the Government. Any time workers go on strike, use of force should be avoided at all costs. Non-confrontational strategies are more effective in arriving at an amicable solution to strikes.

Cabinet secretaries and all those involved in handling workers grievances require high-level diplomatic skills. Well-structured round table negotiations that bring out contentious issues are likely to result in faster resolution to the dispute.

Employers should devise better methods of dealing with employees’ problems before they balloon into full-blown industrial actions.