Follow our labour laws, Tambatamba tells Chinese employers

By ANDREW MUKOMA
LABOUR and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba has called on Chinese employers to follow and comply with the provisions of country’s labour laws.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Chinese ambassador to Zambia, Li Jie at her office, Ms Tambatamba revealed that her ministry has noted through inspections that some enterprises, including some of those run by Chinese nationals fail to adhere to the provisions of the labour laws.
Ms Tambatamba indicated that Government has been carrying out routine inspections to all work places in its quest to bridging the gaps that the ministry has identified in the labour sector.

She said officers are often misunderstood as having deliberately targeted companies run by Chinese nationals.
Ms Tambatamba emphasised that the government is committed to working with the industry to improve working conditions for their workers and to ensure that these enterprises achieve their investment objectives.
Ms Tambatamba, also said the ministry is working closely with the Chinese Cultural Centre in an effort to have the labour laws explained to Chinese employers in their language to reduce misunderstandings and create harmony in the working environment.
This was contained in a statement released to the Daily Nation by the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit.
Mr Li Jie, emphasised that everyone needs to follow the labour laws of the country.

He highlighted that no one from nationals should be given preferential treatment whether foreign or local employer but that everyone is supposed to follow and abide to the labour laws of the country and must be treated equally.
Mr Li Jie also revealed that Chinese investment business portfolio investments in Zambia has continued growing and offering jobs and expertise to the local people.