In a surprising turn of events, Standard Group CEO Marion Mwangi has personally reached out to former employees just hours before their scheduled protest against the media house over unpaid dues. The ex-employees had planned to march to the company’s headquarters to demand payment of their outstanding benefits.
CEO’s Direct Outreach
Details shared with Kenyans.co.ke reveal that the CEO has been contacting former employees individually through text messages. In the messages, Mwangi invites them to a meeting set for Thursday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Panari Hotel in Nairobi.
The invitation outlines the agenda to discuss the financial challenges facing the company and provide updates on steps taken by management to resolve the issue. The messages also promise an open forum for former employees to voice additional concerns.
Details of the Invitation
- Location: Panari Hotel, Rubi Meeting Room
- Time: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Purpose: To discuss unpaid benefits and provide updates on management’s actions.
- Requirements: Former employees were asked to bring identification for registration.
“You are invited to a meeting…to discuss the outstanding benefits owed to you. I will also provide an update on the steps the management has taken to address this matter. There will be an open forum for additional concerns,” part of the CEO’s message read.
Employees’ Plight
Former Standard Group employees have faced significant challenges since their contracts were terminated, with many alleging that the company owes them millions in arrears.
- Unpaid Salaries: Current employees from various outlets under the Standard Group umbrella, including KTN News, Radio Maisha, and the now-closed Vybez Radio, have reported working without full pay since June 2023.
- Redundancy Plan: The company reportedly failed to honor a one-year redundancy payment plan for those who were let go, exacerbating the financial strain on affected individuals.
Attempts to Address the Issue
The former employees had previously attempted to highlight their grievances:
- July Go-Slow: A planned go-slow in July 2024, which included disrupting KTN’s 1:00 p.m. news broadcast, failed to yield any results.
- Upcoming Protest: The planned protest, described as a last resort, was organized to compel the company to address the arrears.
Company’s Financial Woes
Standard Group has been grappling with financial difficulties for months, affecting operations across its media outlets. The challenges have led to mass exits, reduced pay for remaining employees, and closure of some platforms such as Vybez Radio.
What’s Next?
The Thursday meeting is seen as an effort by the company’s leadership to de-escalate tensions and resolve the dispute amicably. Whether the outreach will succeed in averting the protest and addressing the financial grievances remains to be seen.
