Mexico: Unions in 48 factories win 20% wage hike
10 February 2019: After a wave of wildcat strikes across Matamoros, 25000 workers in 48 ‘maquiladora’ factories represented by the Matamoros Industrial Workers and Labourers’ Union announced a settlement in which workers won a 20% hike in their wages. The workers also won a one-time bonus of 32000 pesos. With the success in settling a wage agreement, workers in several other factories are also walking out of the factories demanding better pay and working conditions.
Nepal: Hotel workers demand restoration of service charges
5 February 2019: Hotel workers in Kathmandu, Nepal went on strike against government’s decision to scrap 10% service charges on food bills in hotels and restaurants. There exists a huge disparity in the government stipulated minimum wages between industrial and service sector workers. Workers in the hotel industry make for the difference through tips in the form of service charge.
Kenya: Over 8000 nurses go on strike demanding better wages
4 February 2019: Over 8000 nurses across the 23 counties of Kenya went on strike on 3 February 2019 under the banner of Kenya National Union of Nurses demanding that government and employers honour the collective wage settlement signed in 2017 which promised hiked wages for nurses.
According to the agreement, the nursing service allowance was to be increased by 3000 Kenyan Shillings (Sh) in 2018-2019 and Sh3,500 in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 which would have push the salary of nurses to Sh30,000 by the year 2021.
UK: Hermes workers sign collective wage agreement, company to pay minimum wages and holiday pay
4 February 2019: The app based courier delivery company Hermes signed a collective wage agreement with the GMB union which has a membership of over 15000 workers who Hermes claims to be self-employed. In June 2018, 200 Hermes delivery workers were awarded the status of worker, under the employment law that guaranteed minimum wage, holiday pay, rest breaks and protection against unlawful discrimination.
The new wage agreement which has been termed ‘self-employed plus’ is the first of its kind in the gig economy. The agreement will ensure a minimum wage of £ 8.55/hour and holiday pay.
