RVR threatens to retrench staff

[John Ashworth]

Rift Valley Railways threatens to entrench

Daily Nation (hard copy)
Tuesday July 15, 2008
By Jeff Otieno and Benjamin Muindi

More than 20 per cent of railway workers will be retrenched soon, Rift Valley Railways said yesterday.

Managing director Mr Roy Puffet said the company plans to retain only 25,000 out of the 40,000 workers plus as it modernises operations.

"There will surely be more retrenchments as we modernise our operations," he said.

He spoked after some of the railway workers who went on strike last week resumed work.

Mr Puffet said the trains plying the Mombasa, Nakuru and Malava (sic) have started operating.

"Some operations have resumed. Our engineers are already on the ground inspecting the locomotives," said Mr Puffet at a press conference.

The MD ordered all remaining workers to return to work or risk being penalised.

He assured customers and governments of Kenya and Uganda that operations will resume fully today.

Earlier yesterday, some workers maintained that they will not resume work until the management improved their conditions of service.