Kenya: EPZ declares 1900 workers redundant after customers reduce orders
Summary
Date Reported: 15 Apr 2024
Location: Kenya
Companies
Kontoor Brands - Buyer , Ashton Mombasa Apparel - Supplier , JCPenney Company, Inc. - BuyerAffected
Total individuals affected: 1900
Workers: ( 1900 - Location unknown , Clothing & textile , Gender not reported )Issues
Purchasing practices: Order volume , Impacts on LivelihoodsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by BHRRC
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: Ashton Mombasa Apparel allegedly supplies to Kontoor Brands and JCPenney; Neither brand responsed to a request for comment from the Resource Centre.
Source type: News outlet
"Ashton Mombasa Apparel EPZ sacks 1900 workers", 15 April 2024
The statement seen by Nairobi News from Ashton Mombasa Apparel EPZ Limited states that almost 2,000 employees have been sent home following a decision, which was made on March 25, 2024
According to the management, the contracts for the affected employees could not be renewed due to the tough economy, which has seen it declaring redundancy. “It is important to note that this decision is solely driven by the current business needs, which necessitate a reduction of about 1,900 employees to align with the reduced demand from our customers. We deeply value the contributions of all our employees, and this decision was not made lightly,” part of the letter reads. The move has been prompted by the significant reduction in contract orders from AMA’s valued customers. However, the company said that the contracts for the majority of its workforce, which is about 10,700, have had their contracts extended despite major reductions in the number of their customers’ orders.
Also, the company stated that if the situation improves going forward, some of the employees who have been sacked will be reached out.