Don’t build profit on workers’ pain – Labour Commissioner

Muntengwa, however, urged the employers to address these issues promptly and ensure that workers are treated fairly according to labour laws.

He questioned the logic behind making workers pay for broken tools, saying that such actions reflect poor management practices.

The commisioner noted that holding employees responsible for equipment failure while on duty shows a lack of trust and a breakdown in the working relationship, which employers should address.

“I don’t know where that motivation comes from, or maybe you are just sadists as management, because if someone is working and a spanner breaks, how then does it become the problem of the employee?,” he questioned.

Mutengwa criticised the unfair treatment of drivers assigned to long-distance routes, particularly to Congo who receive US$100 to cover all their expenses.

“It places an unnecessary burden on workers who are already in difficult financial situations. Relying on the suffering of employees to sustain business operations is neither fair nor sustainable,” he said.

Muntengwa also questioned why companies continue to benefit at the expense of already struggling workers.

“Why should the company profit on drivers? Don’t grow companies using the sweat of drivers. They are already poor, the employer is in a strong position, and now you are doubling their poverty levels by punishing them twice. It’s disputable in some instances, and that’s being unrealistic,” he said.

He further emphasised that workers should be allowed to express their concerns without fear and that management must create a working environment where grievances can be raised and addressed.

“Value your employees, they are key partners in productivity and the overall growth of the company,” added the commisioner.

And Usangu Logistics Group human resource manager Mooye Cliff assured that the company will take the concerns seriously and work to swiftly address the challenges raised by the workers.

Pictures and story by Sharon Zulu