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Kenya And Tanganyika (Sisal Industry)

Volume 415: debated on Wednesday 31 October 1945

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asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken recently to improve the wages and conditions of the workpeople employed in the sisal industry in Kenya and Tanganyika.

In Kenya sisal workers, in common with all other African labour drawing less than 100s. per month, are protected in regard to recruitment, housing, feeding, water, sickness, payment of wages, tasks, etc., by the relevant sections of the Employment of Servants Ordinance. These provisions are enforced by the Labour Department.In Tanganyika there havebeen no recent changes in the basic wage rates, but a system whereby workers earn bonuses for regular turn out and piece work operates generally throughout the industry. There has been some improvement in the feeding as a result of regulations made in 1944. Housing and sanitation are being improved generally as a result of continuing pressure brought to bear upon employers. The Labour Department medical specialist has personally inspected every sisal estate in Tanga Province, the largest producing area, and most of those in the Eastern and Northern Provinces. His recommendations are being actively followed by most of the estates and a few of the larger estates have begun to provide improved permanent housing for workers.