‘Adhere to labour laws’

Deputy Minister of Labour Vera Kamtukule has asked employers to adhere to labour laws.

She said this yesterday when she visited Kalumbu Estate and Kamwendo Cooking Oil Cooperative Limited in Mchinji.

Kamtukule said during the ministry’s routine labour inspection at the estate, she noticed that there was general adherence to labour laws.

She said: “But we noted that employees are not given protective gear and there is no proper procedure of handling grievances.

“We also noted that employees are dismissed without being heard, which is a violation of labour laws as it defeats the rules of natural justice which entail the right to be heard.”

Kamtukule said that during her visit to the cooperative, she noted that safety measures were not followed; hence, the need to improve.

“The fire extinguishers at the company expired. So, I advised their safety committee to ensure that they fire are up to date,” she said.

The deputy minister has since given Kalumbu Estate management two weeks to address the highlighted shortfalls.

Kalumbu Estate manager Sosten Mwale said they will address the concerns as required by labour laws.

On her part, Kamwendo Cooking Oil Cooperative secretary Zelipher Kamwendo also said they will ensure that all safety measures are followed at the company.

However, in a separate interview, Mchinji district labour officer Howard Chidothe said the district has shortage of staff and lacks transport to conduct routine checks on time and enforce the law.

Kamtukule assured that district labour offices will be given adequate resources to do their work effectively.