Alleged abuse of workers worries government

Lusaka, ZANIS---Government has expressed concern over continued reports suggesting that some contractors hired by investors were in the habit of ill-treating local workers. Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security, Simon Kachimba, said although government appreciates the investors’ role in job creation for the local people, it opposes the ill-treatment.

Mr. Kachimba said contractors should stop abusing local workers because this was against labour laws. He was speaking in Mazabuka yesterday when he held a meeting with Zambia Sugar PLC management over reports of contractors abusing local workers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kachimba has disclosed that child labour in the country is on the decrease following the sensitisation of parents and guardians against child abuse. He said parents have been encouraged to send their children to school instead of engaging them into labour.

And Zambia Sugar PLC Director of Human Resource, Doreen Kabunda, told the Minister that the company adheres to the labour laws.

Mrs. Kabunda said the company also monitors the contractors which it hires to ensure no abuse of local employees.

She assured the minister that the company will always endeavour to meet the standards set by the ministry concerning workers.