The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says there is nothing irregular with employers compelling their workers to get vaccinated against covid-19.
Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa says employers have the right to determine the terms and conditions of service for employment including the Covid -19 vaccination.
He however notes that employees also have the right to accept or decline the terms and conditions of service if they are not satisfied and are at liberty to resign.
Mr . Muntengwa has insisted that employees stand to benefit from the vaccination as it will reduce the chances of them getting infected with the dreaded Corona virus.
“When the workers decline to get vaccinated, they will find somewhere where there is no such requirement,” Mr Muntengwa said.
He added, “It’s a matter of choice and it’s not a forcing matter and should not be looked at in that light.”
Mr Muntengwa said Section 85 of the Employment Act provides for employers to formulate health and and wellness policy in line with conditions of service.
“What is happening is that we are still in the infancy period of this virus but as we go, people will appreciate why vaccination is important,” he said.
Meanwhile, Seed Co Zambia has clarified that the memo issued by its sister company in Zimbabwe on Covid vaccination requirement for staff does not apply to its local operations.
In a statement, Seed Co Zambia General Manager Guntila Muleya said the memo applies to Zimbabwe only and does not extend to Seed Co Zambia Limited
I agree. Why must a few stubborn people put us all at risk. Fire and hire. Many others desperate for jobs
The issue is,what was the employment policy at the time of recruitment? You cant change the policy now and force someone to take covid test unless a new employee…That is fairness.So i dont agree.
And when you resign in that case are you getting any separation benefits Mr. Muntengwa?
This labour commissioner is not being sincere. That is a variation in the terms of employment and i think that has to be negotiated for by the union. You dont always win by cohesion but engagement. Please relax, it is normal for people to take precautions in the first phases. Safety niwemwine mwisho.
This Commissioner is useless.
Agree with KZ, there so many graduates unemployed, and ready to get vaccinated for interviews.
The commissioner is wrong. This is not about conditions of service, it’s about a persons health and their right to accept or not accept vertaling treatment or education/ machine. You GOT this one wrong Commissioner.
The labour official is right. Times change and conditions also have to change. Nothing stays forever. If an employee does not like the new company rules the best thing is to sign off if you are not happy.
Some companies like Seed Company have bought about 10,000 vaccines for their employees to benefit from Civid19 immunisation. Employers and employees have basic rights to nurture that must be respected.
The commissioner is right. We are dealing with an outbreak of a serious and contagious disease. In the interest of safeguarding employees’ health, conditions of service can be amended to accommodate this new development. This is about workplace safety.
@HMS At the time of recruitment there was no need to require vaccination because covid did not exist.
This is a legally debatable matter and could be very costly for employers. It’s not that simple bwana labor commissioner, that’s why France had to write new legislation hence the riots.
“Nothing irregular with companies compelling workers to take Covid-19 vaccines-Labour Commissioner”]
This is a human rights crime. It was banned by the Nurember Code after WWII. mRNA injections are expimental – they have no FDA approval. You’re not allowed to experiment on human beings without their consent or knowledge. “1. The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential. This means that the person involved should have legal capacity to give consent; should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, overreaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion;
Continued…
” and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision. This latter element requires that before the acceptance of an affirmative decision by the experimental subject there should be made known to him the nature, duration, and purpose of the experiment; the method and means by which it is to be conducted; all inconveniences and hazards reasonably to be expected;”
Mr. labor commission cool down sir, your response sounding as if you’re been pressured by someone and out of anger you took your computer and start typing your opinion as if sucking someone will be a solution to those unwilling to be vaccinated don’t give such powers to employers and its personal consent not a game of war Bataata.