The dock workers union yesterday dismissed the proposals as a rich man's budget that had totally ignored the plight of the workers and the poor.

At the same time, the union has asked the lawmakers not to adopt the budget without making the necessary amendments to ensure it is more acceptable to wananchi.

Speaking to the Nation from his office, the general secretary, Mr Juma Khamisi said the increase in fuel prices and Kerosene costs will trigger an upward trait of all prices, including food and transport.

He also said reduction of one per cent in value added tax was too small and not a consolation on the rising cost of living.

Mr Khamisi said the lower income bracket people will continue to suffer as the local producers will raise the prices of essential services and goods and the burden will passed over to the workers and the less disadvantaged.

This, the union boss observed, may lead to increased poverty and endanger peace and security by a rise in crime.

On the privatisation of the Mombasa port, Mr Khamis once again said the move was not for the interest of the workers and predicted that there will be friction in the working relations between the Kenya Ports Authority and workers from the private firms, if allowed to operate the container terminal.

He called for the introduction of the former Kenya Cargo handling services which used to be a subsidiary body of the ports authority.

He said his union will continue to resist any move to privatise the Port of Mombasa.

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