Over 2,000 workers have been left jobless after Mombasa's giant apparel firm EPZ Simba apparel closed one of its production unit in Changamwe.

The workers have been on strike for the last one week.

The management of the firm has accused the workers of staging "illegal strike" since September 9 following the internal fight between the two shop stewards of their union.

They also accuse the workers of failing to honour two return to work agreements.

According to the first return to work agreement signed by TTWU Deputy General Secretary Ezra Ojuka, John Ngari (National Organizing Secretary), Odengo Otieno (Branch Secretary), Collis Omondi (Deputy Shop Steward)  Damaris Munyao Chef Shop Steward and Meshak Mwanganji., the workers were supposed to resume work on September 13 but they failed to turn up.

“We decided to shut down the factory because the workers have refused to honor two return-to-work agreements we signed with their representatives,” said the firm in a statement.

The proprietors also pointed out that they recorded loss of Sh20 million due to its failure to export 100,000 garments to the USA.

They also accuse a local politician of fueling the unrest in the workers.

“Since September 9 the workers have staged an illegal strike due to internal in-fight between two shop stewards of the union which is supporters by local politicians,” said the firm.

Today the workers led by chief shop steward Meshack Mwangangi held a protest.

They said they  called for a strike after gang attacked some of the workers inside the factory.

The workers are demanding their jobs back.