Darling factory workers go on strike

May 13, 2013

Over 300 workers of Darling Company Monday morning engaged the Police in running battles as they protested against delayed salaries and alleged poor working conditions.

By Godfrey Kimono                                              

Over 300 workers of Darling Company Monday morning engaged the Police in running battles as they protested against delayed salaries and alleged poor working conditions.  


The company which produces weaves is located at Kazinga near Namanve along Kampala- Jinja highy way in Kira Town Council, Wakiso district.  

Police used teargas and live bullets to disperse the rowdy workers who pelted them with stones. An officer was seriously injured in the scuffle.


A Policeman calms down protesting workers. Photo by Godfrey Kimono

The brawl saw protestors throwing stones at the factory gates breaking windows of motor vehicle getting in and out of the factory.

The workers demanded for improved working conditions and salary increment among other grievances.

Miriam Nabuto, a worker said the little money they are paid cannot meet the high cost of living. “A casual labourer is paid a daily wage of shs4, 800 and yet they have asked us to receive the money from Crane Bank after two weeks,” Nabuto said.   

Kira Town Council Councilor for Bweyogerere Andrew Eiru called on the Government to intervene.

Efforts to get comment from Darling management were futile as guards at the factory prevented journalists from meeting any senior officials and they could not be reached on phone.

 

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