The Kenya Association of Hotel keepers and Caterers (KAHC) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) have announced the completion and successful registration of 2019/2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that outlines terms and conditions of employment in the hotel industry.
This follows the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by KAHC and KUDHEIHA.
“Today we are celebrating a significant milestone in the hotel industry as we sign the CBA with KUDHEIHA. This journey started in the 60s as we negotiated while maintaining cordial relationships resulting to limited industrial unrest and providing conducive investing and working environment in the industry” said KAHC Chairman, Mr. Chris Musau as he urged workers and management to adhere and comply with the new terms and conditions in the CBA.
The deal includes:
10% increase on general wages for 2019 and a further 8.5% in 2020 making it a total of 18.5% over two years.
House allowance at 10% for 2019 and 8.5% for 2020.
7% service charge to be earned by all unionisable employees on sales and 5.5% on beverages. This is a formal tip that is shared equally across the board and improves the employee’s income and performance.
Other benefits include medical scheme, gratuity, leave allowance, travel allowance and welfare matters, for instance, when an employee loses a loved one.
An alternative dispute mechanism is enshrined in the CBA, which is the Joint Industrial Council and the Coast Dispute Committee. These two bodies are tasked with the responsibility of investigating disputes and training both employers and employees on industrial relations.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, KUDHEIHA Secretary General, Mr. Albert Njeru expressed his appreciation to all industry stakeholders who worked hard to ensure the CBA is brought to completion. He urged members to continue their good work to enable the hotel industry to thrive.
Other than the KAHC/KUDHEIHA CBA, the two parties also successfully negotiated and completed the NAS CBA within the year.