The Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union (KPOWU) has condemned an alleged growing trend of harassment of fuel attendants over complaints and operational challenges at petrol stations.
In a statement, the union warned against intimidation and disrespect that disrupts fuel attendants while they are performing their duties.
“KPOWU strongly condemns the growing tendency to unfairly blame fuel attendants for issues that are often beyond their control,” the statement read.
According to KPOWU, attendants are not involved in fuel production, supply chain decisions or quality control processes, noting that their role is centred on serving customers effectively.
“Fuel attendants are frontline workers whose responsibility is to serve customers safely, professionally, and efficiently. They do not refine fuel, determine fuel quality, manage supply chains, or make corporate procurement decisions,” the statement added.
Customers have therefore been urged to consider the factors that may cause challenges experienced at fuel stations beyond attendants’ control.
“Before accusations are directed at workers, it is important to recognize that operational challenges can arise from numerous factors, including supplier issues, equipment malfunctions, storage complications, system failures, power interruptions, or other technical and logistical circumstances outside the authority of frontline employees,” KPOWU further said.
Additionally, holding petrol attendants personally responsible for alleged fuel-related issues is unfair and undermines the dignity of labour.
It said that such actions do not address operational issues and instead violate workers’ rights.
In response to the matter, the union has called on employers, regulators and members of the public to focus on identifying the root causes of disputes rather than blaming frontline workers.
