The over 2,000 sacked workers of Simba Apparel Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Ltd  have been forced to re-apply for their jobs.

The decision was reached after Tailors and Textile Workers Union [TTWU] and the factory management reached an agreement to open the premises to continue with operations.

This was after the signing of a return to work formula between TTWU officials and the management of the factory which is binding according to labor laws

"The move is the only way to handle disputes which is the practice worldwide," they said.

Last week the workers were engaged in an illegal strike which led to the sacking of almost 2,000 workers and the closure of the factory.

The move prompted the TTWU] General Secretary Joel Chebii to pitch tent at the coastal city  after the factory Managing Director Thomas Puthoor sacked the workers after the management resolved to close down the factory.

Chebii acknowledged the blame was with the conduct of the workers who participated in an illegal strike.

He told journalists according to his records the one week strike of the union workers was illegal.

"I am in agreement with the management that the ring leaders of the  illegal strike should not be re-employed as a lesson to others," he pointed out

The TTWU  General Secretary assured his members that those will be re-employed won’t lose the benefits for the years they had served. .

Chebii who flanked by union national officials said the strike which lasted for a week at the factory is something which he has never witnessed since the inception of the trade union.

He echoed the sentiments by Puthoor who claimed the illegal strike was as a result of forces from outside who’s intention was to damage  the factory's reputation.

"These are individuals out to damage the factory's reputation," he pointed out.

The TTWU  boss said they are  bound by the laws and regulations which must be followed to the letter for the good of both parties.

Chebii told journalists he has no issues with the company management insisting that if there was any issue with the employers it could have emanated from his office.

He refuted claims the union branch elections had something to do with the EPZ workers' strike saying the union elections are not yet due.

"Those striking employees who are unwilling to resume work within the stipulated time frame will have automatically sacked themselves," he cautioned.

The TTWU General Secretary accused the workers of using a foolish approach in the dispute with the management of the factory.

On his part, Puthoor told journalists at the joint media briefing the workers who took part in the illegal strike were never justified according to the labour laws.

He pointed an accusing finger at the workers for trying to blackmail the management of the factory without following the laid down labour laws and regulations.

‘’For a week the company lost Sh 50 million due to the illegal strike and this might scare away investors from the country," he pointed out.