By Matthew Okello
TORORO
A section of Tororo cement workers today laid off their tools for 6 hours demandibg for their salary enhancement as the economy continues to bite.
The workers mainly of the kiln section comprised of electricians, mechanics, lab technician, production amongst others.
Paul Okumu one of the mill attendants told this website that he has been working in the company for more than 13 years at a wage of shillings 11,000 per day.
He argues that the mill he runs crushes more than 85 tons of clinkers per hour and yet the money paid does not tally with the work he does.
He notes that negotiation and meetings have been going on with the departmental heads but after the meeting, none returns to them.
Another worker, John Oketch says as workers of Tororo cement they go through a lot and life in the factory is equivalent to slavery.
He says as workers they now want to meet with the company owner to table their grievances because nobody around the company wants to listen to them.
The workers also faulted the Tororo district labor office for failing to stand with them due alleged mega handouts they were given at the factory.
Waiswa Sinani a member of workers Union at the factory says that they have been engaging the factory since May this year, but they haven’t got any positive feedback yet.
The Tororo cement executive director, Brig Gagarani gave the workers conditions of either allow the negotiation go on as they look for a common binding ground, resign or he closes the firm due to the currently high operational costs.
He also noted that he is aware of the high commodity prices in the market and he has his workers at heart but asked the workers to table their grievances in a nonviolent manner.
He also promised to continue engaging with the union heads.
