Felix Masoso has been re-elected as the Executive Secretary of the Butali Sugar Workers Union, while Florence Musotsi has been elected as the union’s Treasurer, promising to prioritize worker demands amidst broader industry challenges. The union, which represents workers at Butali Sugar, had held elections recently, with the incumbents emerging victorious in some positions.

Speaking after the announcement, Masoso vowed to ensure salary increments, improve transparency in fund usage, and establish a dedicated union office. Musotsi, on her part, promised to bring accountability and transparency to the union’s books.

“The union’s finances have been a concern for many members, and I’m committed to ensuring that every shilling is accounted for,” Musotsi said. Workers are cautiously optimistic about the new team, with some hoping for better representation.

One of the key issues driving worker expectations is the push for a wage rise, as per the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Currently, the lowest-paid worker at Butali Sugar takes home around Sh23,000, while those in managerial positions earn up to Sh90,000.

 

“Our members are feeling the pinch, and we expect the new leadership to push for a decent wage increase,” said a union member. The CBA negotiations are expected to be a key test for Masoso and his team.

The union operates under the Kenya Union of Sugarcane Planters and Affiliate Workers (KUSPWA), which covers sugar workers across the country. Aligning grievances from various branches is a significant challenge, and the new leaders will have to work closely with the national union to address these issues.

Butali Sugar, like other sugar mills in Kenya, has struggled with financial woes, leading to delayed payments to farmers and workers. The union will need to negotiate with management to address these issues and ensure workers’ rights are protected.

The establishment of a dedicated union office is seen as a key step towards improving worker representation. Currently, the union operates from a makeshift office, which has limited its ability to effectively engage with members.

Transparency in fund usage is another area the new leaders have promised to improve. Workers have raised concerns over the management of union funds, and Musotsi’s promise of accountability is seen as a welcome move.

The KUSPWA, which the Butali union is part of, has been pushing for better working conditions and higher cane prices for farmers. The new leaders will need to work with the national union to push these demands

forward.