HRC expresses its concern at labour unrests
Posted Nov 07, 2011
The Human Rights Commission has expressed concern at the recent spate of labour unrests in the country following the September 20 elections which ushered in the new Patriotic Front Government.
HRC acting chairperson Mr. Palan Mulonda stated in a statement released to the media that while the Commission recognizes that issues related to labour have human rights considerations which must be respected, all workers in the country should follow laid down procedures when declaring labour disputes.
He said the Commission was fully aware of the difficulties the majority of workers were going through in Zambia.
He stated that the majority of complaints the Commission dealt with since its inception in 1997 had to do with alleged violations of labour and employment related human rights.
“Every year, without exception, labour related complaints coming to the Commission account for over half of the complaints lodged. It, therefore, came as no surprise to the Commission when, following the recent elections and the resultant change of government, there was a rapid succession of labour unrests in the capital and other towns,” he stated.
He added that although the Commission commiserated with the anger that most Zambian workers were carrying due to the poor and near slave-like conditions they worked under, it was important that workers through their representatives learnt to adopt dialogue as a means to resolving labour disputes.
He cautioned that work stoppages if left unchecked would only contribute to the already weak economy which, in large measure, made it impossible for people in the country to enjoy decent and reasonable working conditions.
Mr. Mulonda called on the Government to urgently address the plight of workers in the country.
“The Government must move very quickly to address all the factors that have over the years contributed to the exploitation of workers especially by foreign investors. All legislative, policy and other matters that expose gaps should be urgently addressed with the ultimate objective of creating an environment that supports decent working conditions, including a decent living wage,” he stated.
He urged the government to move towards honouring its international obligations, including enacting laws that protect workers in terms of job security and other employment conditions.
“Zambia is a State party to numerous United Nations (UN) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) instruments which are replete with requirements to improve employment and labour conditions,” stated Mr. Mulonda, adding that the right to decent employment and working conditions was well established in international standards to which Zambia subscribed.
Mr. Mulonda also called on the government to quickly address the plight of retirees as a lot of people that worked hard and served the nation diligently had died without receiving and enjoying their retirement benefits.
“The new government must work quickly to address the problems relating to the Public Service Pensions Fund so that people that reach the end of their working life are paid their entitlements promptly. Entitlement to a retirement package is a fundamental human right within the context of the right to social security. People must be paid their benefits promptly considering that they have been making their contributions to pensions fund throughout their working life,” he stated.
He further stated that the Commission was optimistic that the new government would take the Zambian economy to another level which would enable it address the high poverty levels. That had been largely responsible for people accepting undesirable terms of employment simply to survive.
“The people’s desperation has led some unscrupulous employers to exploit the situation and subject workers to sub-standard conditions of employment. The Ministry of Labour must follow up on the Republican President’s pronouncements to address the plight of workers in Zambia. Government generally should address the standard of living for the people of Zambia and create hope for a bright future particularly for the youth,” he stated.
Mr. Mulonda stated that the Commission would continue to engage government on the question of workers’ rights.