MCTU commends Castel,workers’ union relationship
Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has commended Castel Malawi Limited and Castel Malawi Workers Union (Camawu) for the good working relationship, which is key to the growth of the company.
MCTU deputy director responsible for workers’ education and members recruitment Jessie Ching’oma said this in Salima on Saturday during Camawu Annual General Meeting.
She said: “It is important that as a union mother body, we ensure that we capacitate unions in Malawi.
“We are looking at the critical component and contribution of workers to the productivity and the profitability of companies.”
Ching’oma said as one of the largest taxpayers, there is need for a conducive environment to ensure that Castel Malawi thrives and contributes more to national development.
She said: “We need more investors like Castel Malawi to support revenue generation for the country. Actually, taxes are an important ingredient to economic development, supporting the smooth running of the country.”
Ching’oma said where there is provision of management and union engagement, employees positively contribute towards profitability and productivity of the company.
Castel Malawi managing director Thomas Reynaud took time to share with the union the company’s plans for growth, a year after Coca-Cola Beverages Limited acquired Castel’s soft drinks business.
He said: “It is my ambition that in the next few months, we will be designing a more efficient and more productive Castel Malawi.
“It has not been an easy road because change comes with both positive and negative challenges. But in this past year, we have worked together very well although we had some months where our sales were below target and below last year.”
Castel Malawi human resource and corporate affairs director Gloria Zimba commended the cordial working relationship with Camawu.
“The union invited the Castel Malawi management to the annual general meeting because they want to understand and align with company’s strategy as Camawu is planning for the 2024 calendar of events,”she said.
Camawu president Reuben Kapito commended Castel Malawi management, saying they take heed of the union concerns and suggestions.
