At least 12 unionised workers at Zampalm Company Limited in Kanchibiya district in Muchinga province, have been fired for alleged gross misconduct and inciting over 600 other workers to participate in strike action last month.
The development has been confirmed to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) by Zampalm Union Chairperson, Alex Mukuka, who is among the fired employees.
Mr Mukuka said the 12 unionised workers were fired around 11:30 hours on Saturday.
He expressed sadness that management at the company decided to fire the workers instead of engaging in dialogue to settle the matter amicably as promised.
Mr Mukuka said over 600 Zampalm workers went on six-day strike action last month to press for improved conditions of service.
He explained that the workers resolved to go on strike demanding a 100 per cent salary increment, payment of their gratuity and calling for the dismissal of Zampalm Company Limited General Manager, David Kasubakanya among other demands.
Mr Mukuka has since called on the Department of Labour in the district to intervene in the matter before legal action is taken against Zampalm management.
“The remaining Zampalm workers are now working in fear as they do not feel protected by their management,” said Mr Mukuka.
And Sylvester Mwelwa, one of the fired workers, has described the action by management as unfortunate.
Mr Mwelwa has since appealed to relevant authorities to help the workers be reinstated saying the dismissal is unjustified.
He said rushing to fire the workers will not solve the problems that Zampalm Company Limited is currently facing.
“We decided to dialogue with management after a six-day strike action but it is very sad that management has decided to fire us,” he said.
And when contacted for a comment, a Senior Zalmpalm Management employee, who sought anonymity, confirmed that 12 workers have been fired but declined to comment further.
Muchinga Province Principal Labour Officer, Moses Chatepa, also confirmed receiving a message on the dismissal of 12 Zampalm Company workers.
Mr. Chatepa said a detailed report will be issued soon.
“We have received the message on the firing of 12 Zampalm workers in Kanchibiya and will investigate the matter,” he said.
I have read the entire story hoping to see an explanation of what this compoany produces but alas like all shallow internet media reports the story just doesnt provide the information. Amateur journalism at its best
ah ah, Nanga you you wanted the company to fire malawian/Zimbabwean employees which are behaving well? Company policies are clear mune.you misbehave you get a warning or get fired whether Zambian or American? Who said Zambians cant be fires for misconduct? I see alot of Zambians now with this freedom and Empowerment from HH making them becoming big headed even when they live in Shunty compounds-Work bamambala-work!
This is only one side of the story. Can’t say anything until management also gives their side.
TYPICAL ATTITUDE OF ZAMBIAN WORKERS THESE DAYS
SPEAK TO ANY EMPLOYER ENGAGING OVER 35 WORKERS
WORK ETHICS IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW
The company is not making money as it is not in full production. Its ability to pay competitive salaries is therefore very constrained.
Please take the company to court …
FUSEKE TARINO KIKIKIKIKI
Have you lost your marbles ?
95% workers fault
Probably PF workers related to KZ
NUPAW, the National Union of Plantation & Allied Workers is one of the weakest Unions in Zambia. Plantation workers receive some of the lowest wages, sometimes even worse than domestic workers if you compare the workload. The Law that governs minimum wages in this sector also recommends very low wages. The gestation period for plantations is quite long and requires a lot of seed money to sustain. Workers and their leaders must understand this. There’s no manager that can tolerate any work stoppage whatever the cause. ZCTU & FFTUZ the 2 mother-bodies are pre-occupied with politics and never educate their affiliates. The labour office is just nuisance, what they do anyway? The result is what we’re now seeing