Lusambo Gives Lusaka Company Seven Days To Improve Working Conditions

Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has issued an ultimatum to a wig making company in the city to improve its working conditions within seven says or have its operating licence revoked. 

The Sabs plant in Lusaka’s light industrial area was stormed by officials on Friday after concerns were raised that some employees were paid as little as K30 a week and made to work without protective clothing or proper sanitary facilities. 

Mr Lusambo instructed the company’s directors to hire a HR officer who understands Zambia’s labour laws and can ensure proper working conditions for the company’s 146 employees. 

He added that Sabs should serve as a warning to labour officials who overlook inhumane working conditions. 

“This is a warning to my labour officers who just stamp contract papers to disadvantage my people that they will be in hot soup,” he said.

One Sabs worker complained that they are sometimes paid as little as K15 a day and that deductions are made for absenteeism even when the worker is ill. 

Another employee revealed that female workers have to pay K5 a month to use the toilets. 

“We want the government to help address our concerns as the working conditions here are pathetic,” she said.

Assistant labour officer Ellen Moyo, who accompanied Mr Lusambo on the factory visit, was less than sympathetic, telling workers they simply had to come forward to report their conditions. 

“You need to come with your contracts and your job descriptions so that we are able to tell if you’re getting incomes in line with your work,” she said.