Unionism is a right, Labour Commissioner tell Organisations

THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has advised human resource practitioners to allow unionism in their work places without any form of intimidation.

Speaking during a sensitisation meeting for some Human Resource Practitioners from the private sector at Government complex organised by the Lusaka Provincial Office, Labour Commissioner, Givens Muntengwa emphasised that, employers with more than 25 employees must allow workers to engage in unionism as a requirement by the law.

Mr Muntengwa said that the law provides such and it was imperative for human resource practitioners to provide a conductive environment for that purpose.

“Unionism is a right and an individual should not be fired on that basis but they should be allowed to exercise that right,” he said.

He has warned that any organization found denying their employees the right to join the union of their choice will be fined K30, 000 in accordance with the Employment Code Act. No. 3 of 2019.

This is contained in a statement released to the Daily Nation by Joseph Chinyama, Public Relations Officer under the Ministry.

Additionally, Mr Muntengwa guided that Human Resource practitioners play an important role as a tool of trade adding that they have the mandate to educate workers to enhance their understanding of the labour laws to ensure industrial harmony.

Mr Muntengwa has advised the Human Resource to respect the contracts of employment and ensuring that the provisions are implemented to the latter.

He also urged that organizations must ensure employees are provided with protective personal equipment at all times adding that failing to do so may lead to companies facing sanctions such as suspension of operations.

The meeting was meant to educate Human Resource practitioners on the importance of organizations adhering to the labour laws of the country.