Kenyan Labour Unions have issued a strongly-worded statement demanding for a total refund plus interest of all Housing Levy fees, and warned that their members will withdraw labour if they’re deducted for this month.
Full statement:
Amidst the persistent outcry over the escalating costs of living. the voices of workers echo with profound understanding of the challenges they confront daily.
This deep-seated awareness underscores the contrast between the realities faced by the workforce and the disconnect experienced by those in positions of power.
Those who swore to protect and uplift us. The court of Appeal has given a resounding ruling against implementing the illegitimate housing Levy a.k.a housing tax.
This ruling brings relief to workers who are already burdened by hardship, addressing the injustice inflicted upon Kenyans by an uncaring government.
The need for housing in Kenya is undeniable but the current approach, serves as an extortion scheme to siphon hard-earned earnings from workers.
Unclear deductions, unclear house applications and unclear house allocations serve as a recipe for a major housing scandal, grand corruption like what happened in Malaysia in the IMDBi Scam.
Workers stand in solidarity against illogical, illegal, and unconstitutional government policies that are unbalanced to meet the needs of Kenyans.
We demand all House Levy deductions to be refunded with interest immediately. We demand the courts to be respected by the employers just like the employees do.
Any employer/person/entities who deduct this illegal tax from the worker’s salary will bear individual responsibility and the unions shall also use the only weapon that employers understand best; withdrawal of labour to seek retribution.
In the same vein, we are in opposition of the proposed SHIF 2.75% deductions on gross salaries, 20% of the workforce who form part of the 55 million Kenyans cannot pay for Healthcare for another 80% of Kenyans.
The burden of healthcare should not fall solely on labor taxes; instead, general taxes should be utilized for this purpose. Employers, too, must contribute their fair share for the benefits derived from labor services.
The proposed deduction warrants not only a cap but also a transparent and equitable distribution among the three key stakeholders: government, employers, and employees.
This equitable distribution serves as a safeguard against exploitation and ensures that each party bears its rightful share of the financial burden.
We also demand for comprehensive medical cover from our medical allowances that the government took in 2011 in exchange for an enhanced NHIF cover.
Anything deemed illegal and unconstitutional, regardless of the time it takes, remains illegitimate.
This steadfast stance is a testament to the resilience and determination of Kenyan workers and our legal system. May justice be our shield and defender.
