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Mumba talks tough on lawlessness in companies

Minister of Labour Vitumbi ko Mumba has emphasised that government will not condone lawlessness in labour issues.

He has since called on companies to ensure that work places are conducive for everyone and that workers’ rights are respected.

Speaking yesterday when he went back to the premises of NT Plastics Manufacturers Limited in Lilongwe, Mumba said companies have to comply with laws of the country regarding labour issues.

During the visit, police arrested the company’s managing director Zhouh Youn Fei for defying a government directive, issued on Thursday, to suspend operations until the working environment is improved.

Fei being arrested as Mumba (in white shirt
looks on). | Prisca Promise Mashushu, Mana

Mumba, who asked labour commi s s ione r Hl a l e rwayo Nyangulu to handle the matter of the company, emphasised that government is serious about protecting workers’ rights in Malawi.

“Unfortunately, the law does not allow me to arrest anyone, but it allows the labour commissioner to do so, that is why I had to hand over the matter to the labour commissioner,” said Mumba.

He said his minist ry wi l l intensify inspections of companies despite having funding challenges coupled with a 45 percent vacancy rate.

Human Rights Defender s Coalition (HRDC) has since commended Mumba for taking a bold decision to order suspension of operations of companies that are subjecting employees to degrading working conditions.

In a statement issued yesterday signed by HRDC chairperson Gift Trapence and national coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, the coalition has called on Mumba to ensure that such inspections continue and actions are taken on those that do not comply with labour laws.

“As a country, we are failing our workforce, and it is time to put an end to the systemic mistreatment of workers through unsafe and exploitative practices.

“Hazardous working conditions are a widespread concern, with many empl oyees f o rced to operate without proper protective

equipment or training,” reads the statement, in part.

On Thursday, Mumba ordered suspension of operations at Central Poultr y (CP) Feeds factor y at Kanengo, Topmax Malata factory at Njewa and NT Plastics Manufacturing Ltd where, among other things, workers are suspected to be exploited

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