News Article: Cargo Loaders' Protest Disrupts Operations at Mombasa Warehouses
Workers operating cargo loaders voice discontent over insufficient wages through demonstrations
In a series of protests that have become all too familiar in the industry, cargo loaders in Mombasa have taken a stand against poor pay and alleged exploitation. This latest wave of protests has caused significant disruptions to the loading and offloading of cargo at the Port of Mombasa.
Demands and Dispute
The cargo loaders' demands are clear: a fair wage and resolution of the ongoing dispute with recruitment agents. However, the specific rates or pay increases demanded by the loaders are not detailed in the available information. What is known is that workers are seeking better wages and working conditions, which have been a source of contention for some time.
Impact on Operations
The protests have resulted in the disruption of cargo evacuation from major warehouses, affecting the overall efficiency and operations of the port. Normal operations at the warehouses were interrupted for the better part of Tuesday morning. Some vehicles were prevented from entering the Shimanzi area by the protestors, and some trucks that arrived with cargo were forced to park outside due to fear of vandalism or theft.
Police Intervention
The police intervened to contain the protests and maintain order, but it was a difficult task. The angry cargo loaders demanded to be heard by the warehouse owners. In some instances, they hurled stones towards the yards and ordered other workers to close, damaging warehouse doors in the process. To prevent vehicles from entering the Shimanzi area, the police used tear gas on tuk-tuks and put out bonfires lit by irritated loaders.
The Future of the Dispute
The president has recently dealt with cartels and coffee brokers, and the cargo loaders are asking him to deal with the recruitment brokers causing difficulties in their work. Mwaivu Kaluka from the Communist Party of Kenya criticized warehouse and go-down owners for ignoring their employees' concerns and called for better pay for the cargo loaders.
Loading and offloading of cargo is a difficult job that often leaves many people with permanent disabilities. Dennis Barasa, a cargo loader, negotiated Sh35 for a 50 kg bag, Sh25 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh20 for any bag below 25 kg. However, recruitment agents are offering significantly less, with Sh15 for loading or offloading a 50 kg bag, Sh7.50 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh3 for a 10 kg bag.
The resolution of this dispute will not only impact the cargo loaders but also the wider economy, as the Port of Mombasa is a critical hub for East African trade. As the situation unfolds, it is hoped that a fair and lasting solution will be found to benefit all parties involved.
[1] The Standard, "Cargo evacuation at Mombasa warehouses disrupted as cargo loaders protest poor pay," 2022
[2] The Star, "Mombasa port: Autoport Freight Terminals in legal battle over handling of South Sudan's cargo," 2022
- Despite the ongoing political discussions focusing on economic growth, the dispute between cargo loaders and recruitment brokers at the Mombasa port raises concerns about workplace-wellness and health-and-safety, as the job's physically demanding nature often leads to permanent disabilities.
- Addressing the ongoing health-and-wellness issues in the cargo handling industry, such as those faced by cargo loaders, is crucial for establishing a robust health-and-wellness system that ensures the well-being of workers and contributes to the overall efficiency of scientific advancements and public health initiatives across East Africa.
