No unfair dismissals, Govt warns employers
By Mast Reporter
GOVERNMENT has warned employers in the private sector to stop terminating contracts for workers without following procedure.
Speaking in Parliament Wednesday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba said her ministry would not tolerate employers firing workers at will.
Tambatamba said government was improving the protection of workers’ rights by ensuring full compliance with the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.
She said this following concerns by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda that some employers in the private sector were firing workers without following the prescribed grievance procedures.
“This is the government’s position. I want to reiterate that protecting workers from unfair labour practices and conditions remains a cornerstone of the government’s agenda to promote decent work and industrial harmony in the country,” she said.
She said the government was aware of such cases and had intensified measures to promote fair labour practices and compliance with the law.
“The ministry knows that some employers terminate contracts of employment without adhering to the provisions of the Employment Code Act. To address this issue, the ministry has taken a multifaceted approach to ensure compliance with the law,” she said.
Tambatamba said her office conducts regular inspections at workplaces and undertakes awareness campaigns to educate both employers and employees on their rights and obligations under the law.
She said the ministry imposes administrative sanctions on employers who fail to comply with the provisions of the law.
“The ministry also advises employers to provide contracts, policies and codes on dispute handling to their employees, promoting transparency and fairness in the workplace,” Tambatamba said.
Tambatamba who is UPND Kasempa member of Parliament, said her office promoted dialogue between employers and employees in resolving labour disputes to foster harmonious industrial relations.
“In line with Section 10(1) of the Act, the Labour Commissioner is empowered to carry out workplace inspections, including examining records, interviewing employees, and ensuring adherence to legal standards. These inspections are critical in safeguarding workers from unfair dismissal and unsafe working conditions,” she said.
