Following Cables’ recent reporting on worker exploitation at Kayelekera Uranium Mine, employees at Shayona Cement in Kasungu have come forward with similar complaints about their working conditions.
Cables can confidently reveal that several employees at the cement manufacturing company are complaining of poor working conditions, including working in potentially dangerous environments without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), no dust allowance and unpaid overtime.
According to accounts from employees, some workers are forced to work beyond their normal hours without overtime pay.
They recount that those who refuse to work extra hours risk being threatened with dismissal.
One employee, who spoke to Cables on condition of anonymity, said many workers continue working under these conditions because they have limited employment alternatives.
“People are working because they are stranded. Many companies run by Asians changed a few things when Vitumbiko Mumba was storming these companies when he was minister of labour . But now we are back to the harsh treatment . The change which was there is no longer in force ,” the source confided.
The employees are now raising concerns about their safety, welfare and treatment at the workplace.
Cables is pursuing further details, including the company’s response.
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