An investigation into the cause of industrial unrest among blue-collar workers in export processing zone (EPZ) Athi-river Kenya
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Date
2006-09
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Economics and Management
Abstract
It was observed that there was a high level of strikes in the EPZ's and this had led the study on the factors, which had led to strike. High level of strikes is undesirable due to losses incurred by the firms as well as the cost of damages. Production is also selected because it comes to a stop during the strike period.
Many authors and researchers have identified various causes, effects and measures of industrial strikes. The objectives of the study were to establish causes of strikes and recommend measures to be taken to reduce strikes. The location of the study was Athi River the target population was 990 and a representative sample or 70 employees were selected through sampling technique. Six past employees who had been dismissed were selected for the interview. The instruments, which were used in data collection, were:
Questionnaires, Interview guides and Document analysis guide.
It was established that they were not satisfied with the salaries and wages paid. Working conditions and decision-making. In addition workers had not been allowed to join trade unions, also most employees lacked permanent employment. Finally cases of sexual harassment were found to be true.
It was concluded that the rate of strikes would continue to escalate if control measures were not taken. The recommendations for action were that: salaries ai1d allowances should be improved; good performance need to be recognized in order to motivate employees and finally rules and regulations should be flexible
It also recommended that further research be carried out to the causes of strikes. More past employees should be interviewed and workers from other zones be interviewed.
Description
A Research Report Presented to the School of Business and Management in a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of the Bachelors Degree in International Business Administration
Keywords
Industrial unrest, Blue-collar workers, Export processing zone (EPZ) Athi-river, Kenya