Minister urges for respect of labour laws

Minister of Labour Eunice Makangala on Wednesday embarked on a week-long tour of companies in Lilongwe where she urged for full adherence to the country’s labour laws.

Speaking after touring Kanengo Tobacco Processors Limited, Auction Holdings Limited (AHL) and Nyiombo Investments, Makangala said government will not tolerate any employer who violates provisions of the Labour Act and other regulations.

 “Of the companies I have visited, I have been most impressed with Kanengo Tobacco Processors Limited because they have almost everything that the law requires companies to put in place for the safety and welfare of the workers.

 “We are trying to check what the companies are doing on minimum wages, trade union rights and health. [We also would like to see how they are] encouraging the workers to work hard to uplift the companies,” said Makangala.

 She said only a healthy and happy workforce can contribute towards better productivity in companies and not where employees are demotivated or demoralised.

 “Employers should seek advice from government whenever they don’t understand labour law provisions. They should also make initiatives to fight HIV and Aids and other social problems at the workplace,” said the minister.

 Makangala also visited Shayona Cement Company and SPAR Trading in Lilongwe.

 At all the companies, Makangala met management teams and representatives of workers separately to hear their grievances.

 Most of the workers complained about low earnings and effects of the recent 49 percent devaluation of the kwacha which has led to soaring commodity prices.