Pamodzi Hotel downgrades workers' conditions of service
Pamodzi Hotel downgrades workers' conditions of serviceBy Lambwe Kachali
Wednesday October 03, 2007 [04:00]
The Taj Pamodzi Hotel management has defied the government’s directives not to downgrade conditions of services for its unionised employees. And Hotel Catering and Allied workers Union of Zambia (HCAWUZ) president Mubiana Sitwala described the hotel’s move as retrogressive.
According to investigations and documents obtained by The Post, hotel general manager Mahipal Singh wrote to the government through the Ministry of Labour, requesting to lower workers’ conditions of service. Singh explained that due to the losses his institution was making, he had decided to lower workers’ conditions of service in order to cushion the problem. And officials at the ministry confirmed the development.
“At first he (Singh) held several meetings with some senior officials in the ministry but it was like he faced resistance over the matter. Most of those meetings were held the ministry and at Pamodzi Hotel,” the source said.
The source said Singh was not satisfied with the advice and approached the ministry’s top management.
“He still faced problems until on 20th June, 2007 he decided to put his request in writing. But the ministry insisted that his decision was uncalled for and would not be tolerated,” said the source.
According to the letter from the Ministry of Labour dated 17th July, 2007 addressed to Singh, signed by acting principal officer Kabaso Chola on behalf of the Labour Commissioner, the government rejected the hotel’s move to lower workers’ conditions of service as requested.
“Reference is made to your letter of 20th June, 2007 in which you requested for our position regarding the issue of reducing terms of conditions of service for unionised employees.
Kindly be advised that in as much as the spirit of free and voluntary collective bargaining is to be embraced by the parties in negotiations, the idea of reducing terms and conditions of service for employees is rather retrogressive and may result into unwarranted disputes.
Further be advised that often bargaining units endeavour to negotiate for improved terms of service, which results into a motivated work force that contribute to a high productivity,’ the letter read in part.
The ministry also advised Singh to bear the consequences of such a decision.
“In view of the foregoing, any attempt aimed to reduce the terms and conditions of service, the consequences of which may be regrettable, is not supported by the ministry. Such reduction if agreed to by the employees should not have been coerced or reached upon through intimidation,” stated the letter.
Hotel management has since declared a dispute against the union over their refusal to have conditions of service downgraded.
And Sitwala said it was unfortunate that investors did not appreciate workers’ efforts despite their meagre salaries.
“We will fight tooth and nail until we get what belongs to us. If it was in his country (India) could he have done this?” asked Sitwala.
And HCAWUZ secretary general Dainess Chawinga said Singh had written back to the union, maintaining to lower the employees’ conditions of service.
Among the conditions of service to be downgraded are retirement benefits, resignation benefits, medical and disablement discharge, basic salaries (no salary increments), leave allowances, funeral assistance and maternity allowance.
Labels: FDI, LABOUR, PAMODZI HOTEL
posted by MrK @ 4:15 AM
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