HAPPY LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS TO YOU ALL

Dear Editor,

As Zambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating the international Labour Day on May 1, most employees are eager to be awarded for their achievements in their respective organisations.

However, there is nothing wrong in anticipating an award but employees should reÀect on what they have done to improve the service delivery to benefit common individuals in society.

Employers on the other hand should ensure working conditions are in tip-top form for their employees to motivate them.

In doing so, employers should not ignore labour laws which some companies have disregarded with impunity.

Minimum wage has been grossly ignored and so has the occupational safety and health (OHS) requirements. Most chain stores and construction companies are culprits. In some instances employees are made to stand or sit long hours at one place hence contributing to obesity in them.

Protective clothing is yet another issue which needs to be addressed by employers in many cases, especially involving foreign firms

Government is another culprit when it comes to late payment of salaries for its civil servants. They have no fixed day they can call a pay day.

It is time our trade union leaders should hold the bull by its horns and tell Government to be paying civil servants salaries on a fixed day- like the first or last day of the month.

However, the biggest challenge is the absence of credible opposition that can speak for the masses.

Currently these opposition parties are busy planning either how to fatten their bellies or enter State House, hence have diverted attention from real issues affecting Zambians.

Therefore let us see a change of mind set from both employees and employers towards work.

Employers should give employees what they deserve, and employees should do their best to improve on their performance for the benefit of common citizens.

Happy Labour Day to you all both in formal and informal sectors

CHAKWIYA BORNFACE CHONGWE