G4S workers protest ‘slave’ wages, absence from work results in K60 deduction

WORKERS at G4S Security Services Zambia Limited yesterday staged a sit-in protest to demand for the dismissal of director of operations Sydney Odoi for allegedly subjecting them to “slave” conditions.
The irate workers, who chased away their union representatives and locked up some managers, said the lowest paid worker allegedly gets K700.
The workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they are not paid transport refunds and overtime despite receiving salaries below the minimum wage.
The workers also complained that Mr Odoi allegedly deducts K60 from employees who abscond from work including those who are unwell.
The workers vowed not to return to work until their grievances are addressed.
But company human resources director Mabvuto Daka said management has been trying to engage the workers in dialogue but that they have refused.
“They are demanding for the removal of the operations director Mr Odoi but we do not know why.
“It has been difficult for us to agree with the workers because they have chased their union representatives. We asked them to choose from among themselves who can represent it they have refused to do that,” he said.
Mr Daka said the security firm has a binding collective agreement with the union and that Government has a copy of the document.
He said management has been adhering to the collective agreement.

ZambiaDailyMail