Company fined K40, 000 over filthy toilets
File image for illustration purposes
Bwana Logistics in Ndola has been fined K40 000 over filthy toilets, after Southern Province Assistant Labour Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Kaindama paid the company a visit.
He said safety issues are vital for any organization, adding that it is not negotiable.
Dr. Kaindama in addressing management at company during an inspection, he discouraged the practice of under declaring expatriate salaries as a serious violation of the Employment Code Act no.3 of 2019 and a threat to fair labour standards in Zambia.
This was after the company’s human resource officer Makupi Chiyobe upon being quizzed on the number of expatriates and their pay, claimed that the company only had five expatriates who were being paid K9,000 each.
Dr. Kaindama noted that some companies have been misrepresenting the earnings of expatriate employees to avoid paying correct taxes and statutory contributions, a trend he said undermines both workers’ rights and national development.
The assistant labor Commissioner also issued a stern warning against labour trafficking. He guided that expatriate workers should not do jobs outside their approved roles on their work permits.
“Under-declaring salaries not only violates the law but also creates unfair competition in the labour market. Employers must be transparent and comply fully with all legal requirements,” Dr. Kaindama guided.
“Employers must declare the correct salaries and provide decent working conditions for both local and expatriate employees. We will not tolerate any form of exploitation or deception. We are not going to support Labour trafficking.”
Dr. Kaindama also reminded employers about the importance of granting employees regular days off to manage fatigue and promote productivity
He stressed that decent work goes beyond pay, adding that companies must also provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure a safe working environment.
“Safety is non-negotiable we could have suspended operations, but we will give you some hours to ensure workers have masks. Every worker; Zambian or expatriate, deserves proper protection on the job,” Dr. Kaindama said.
“Rest is a legal entitlement and an essential part of occupational health and safety. Overworked employees are less productive and more prone to accidents.”
He further emphasised that all employees, both local and expatriate, must be issued payslips reflecting their full earnings and statutory deductions.