The Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi has been accused of mistreating its employees in contravention of a government directive.
The Kenya Hotel and Allied Workers Union (KHAWU) has lodged a complaint with the Ministry of Labour, accusing Carnivore Kenya’s management of subjecting their staff to long working hours without compensation, illegal contracts, underpayment, lack of house allowance, lack of uniforms, uneven distribution of service charge and lack of medical cover.
But the management defended itself against the accusations, insisting the welfare of their workers is well taken care of, including compensation for overtime, and that there is strict adherence to law and industry practices.
R.M. Kilonzi, the conciliator, however directed the management to put employees on permanent contracts and properly document overtime, as well as ensure equitably distributing of service charge.
“That, since house allowance of Sh5,400 was withdrawn by the management without any consultation, it should be reinstated with immediate effect. The current payslips show that employees are paid basic salaries,” stated Kilonzi in a letter dated December 14, 2018.
In the event that either party in the dispute is dissatisfied with the recommendations, the labour official was to be notified within seven days upon receipt of the letter.
The union’s secretary-general Wycliffe Sava, claims workers are still toiling under the unfavorable conditions.
“Employees continue to operate without uniforms and protective gear, there is no clock in clock-out system, and we understand there is no sign of house allowance arrears being paid. Workers are constantly being intimidated and harassed by the management,” claimed Sava.
Jonathan Seex, the restaurant’s boss, failed to respond to our queries on whether the management had implemented the recommendations by the conciliator.
Despite reminders for almost one month, Seex sent a text message that read: “Thank you for your message. Let me revert back shortly.”