§ Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the strikes now taking place in Kampala, Uganda, by employees of the East African Tobacco Company, the Town Engineer's Department and refuse collectors; the basic pay of the employees concerned; what increases they are seeking; and the increase 96W in the cost of living since they last had an increase in wages.
§ Mr. LytteltonOn 16th January, 700 employees at the Kampala factory of the East African Tobacco Company went on strike demanding from Sh,5 to Sh.10 extra per month. Their basic pay was then Sh.36 monthly, plus bonuses ranging from Sh.14 to Sh.47 and free midday meals. It had already been decided to increase the basic rate by Sh.2 a month and a good attendance bonus by Sh.4 a month, but this had not then been announced. All those on strike had returned to work by the 23rd.
Three hundred and twenty-six employees of the Kampala Public Health Department stopped work on 17th January, asking for similar increases; they had all returned to work two days later. Their basic pay was then Sh.46/20 monthly, with Sh.2 attendance allowance and 4 lb. free sugar. With effect from 1st February, 1952, basic pay has been increased for such work as refuse collection by Sh.l to Sh.6 a month.
Seven hundred employees of the Town Engineer's Department went on strike on 19th January, but returned two days later. Their basic pay is Sh.43/ 60 monthly, with bonuses similar to those given to employees of the Public Health Department.
Owing to seasonal fluctuations in the price of local foods it has so far been difficult to construct a realistic cost-of-living index for unskilled labour, but the indications are that the wages of unskilled workers have remained steadily in advance of their cost of living.
During the year from 1st January, 1952, to 1st January, 1953, on both of which dates the East African Tobacco Company awarded wage increases, the rise in the general index was 8 points.