Cargo loaders stage protests over poor pay

Cargo evacuation from major warehouses in Mombasa was disrupted yesterday after hundreds of loaders staged a protest against alleged exploitation by recruitment agents.

The cargo loaders blocked the busy Shimanzi road that leads to the Port of Mombasa to air their views against the agents hired by warehouse or go-down owners to circumvent labourers.

Dennis Barasa, one of the loaders commonly referred to as “Mashogi,” said they negotiated for Sh35 for a 50 kg bag, Sh25 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh20 for any bag below 25 kg.

He said the brokers have, however, come up with their rates of Sh15 for loading or offloading a 50 kg bag, Sh7.50 for a 25 kg bag, and Sh3 for a 10 kg bag, which is not our position.

“The president went to Meru and dealt with cartels and coffee brokers, and we are asking him to come and deal with these brokers who are making our work so difficult.

Cargo owners agreed to pay Sh50 per bag, but these brokers want to take the money and pay Sh6 per bag,” Barasa explained.

Mwaivu Kaluka from the Communist Party of Kenya said loading and offloading of cargo was one of the hardest jobs that has left many people with permanent disabilities.

He said the loaders should be paid well and criticised the owners of warehouses and godowns for ignoring their employees' concerns.

Normal operations at the warehouses were interrupted for the better part of Tuesday morning following protests forcing the police to intervene.

The police officers also had a difficult moment in trying to contain the angry loaders who demanded to be heard by the warehouses’ owners and settle the dispute.

Most warehouses were closed, and trucks that arrived with cargo at the facilities were forced to park outside, with some driven away, fearing vandalism or theft.

The angry protestors hurled stones towards the yards, ordering other workers to close. The police were forced to use tear gas on tuk-tuks, and warehouse doors were damaged.

The security officers also put out bonfires lit by irritated loaders who tried to prevent most vehicles from entering the Shimanzi area.