Court rules State debts, economic shocks no excuse for unpaid workers’ dues

The Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that government debts and Covid-19 cash-flow problems do not absolve employers of their obligation to pay workers. It ordered Gibb Africa Limited to pay former senior engineer Woldeyesus Shimeles Makonen more than Sh24.6 million, including Sh5 million in salary arrears and $151,054 in unpaid gratuity. The company argued delayed payments from government agencies caused cash-flow issues, but the court found it failed to prove it had paid the dues.