The Kenya Union of Journalists(KUJ) has called out Mediamax Ltd for failing to pay correspondents.
In a statement to Newsrooms dated March 12, 2024 undersigned by KUJ Secretary General Erick Oduor, the Union has demanded that Mediamax Ltd pays correspondents or face the worst industrial action.
According to KUJ, the company has failed to pay correspondents of the People Daily Newspaper for 12 months now making some to undergo pressure especially during this harsh Economic times.
“We stand in solidarity with correspondents of The People Daily, a respected daily newspaper owned by former first family, who have withdrawn their labour over non-payment of their dues for over 12 months,” reads part of the statement.
Oduor has termed this as a level of impunity being exhibited by the management of Mediamax Ltd and that it is unacceptable and must be stopped by all means.
He adds that the correspondents have been subjected to inhuman treatment and have lost their dignity due to inability to meet their financial obligations, yet they sweat every day to deliver stories to the newspaper for publication.
“We are aware that some correspondents have been kicked out by their landlords
over accumulated rent arrears, forcing them and their loved ones to spend nights either in office premises or on the streets as they have nowhere to call home,” he stated.
These, he adds are factors that are contributing to a decline in media freedom in Kenya because journalists cannot be expected to continue working yet their remuneration is not given priority.
The Union has issued 24 hours Ultimum to address the issue and negotiate return to work formula.
“In view of the above, we are giving Mediamax Ltd 24 hours to address the
concerns and negotiate a return-to-work formula with the correspondents, failure
to which we will escalate the matter, including mobilizing all correspondents to storm and shut the offices of Mediamax located along Kijabe Street,” stated Oduor.
