A day after the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) notified members not to deduct the housing levy after the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling by the High Court that the levy is unconstitutional, workers’ unions have told workers to immediately go on strike if any further deduction of the levy is made on their pay slips.
In a joint press briefing, The Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) secretary general Dr. Davji Atellah has warned those who employ doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, lecturers, and other medical practitioners who are members of the union that they face immediate industrial action if they deduct the Housing Levy.
“We demand the courts to be respected by the employers just like the employees do. Any employer, person or entities who deducts this illegal [housing] levy from a worker’s salary, will bear individual responsibility. And the unions will also use the only weapon that employers understand; withdrawals of services,” said Dr. Atellah.
He threatened to file a contempt of court case against any employer who deducts the housing levy.
“We demand all housing levy deductions to be refunded with interest immediately,” said Dr. Atellah.
In his remarks, Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Secretary General Constantine Wasongawarned of dire consequences if employers do not comply with the Friday ruling by the Court of Appeal that declared the levy unconstitutional.
“Today is a wonderful [because] housing levy is gone. And we are not going to allow you to continue deducting [the housing levy],” said Wasonga.
