Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has banned Casualization of labour and unjustified termination of contracts of employment by employers following the amendment of the employment Act.
Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda has told a media briefing in Lusaka this morning that President Edgar Lungu on 26th November, 2015 signed into law the amendments to the employment Act cap 268 of the laws of Zam
bia and published on 3rd December, 2015.
Mr. Shamenda says the enactment of the amended employment Act number. 15 of 2015 into law means that it is illegal for any employer to engage an employee on casual basis for any job that is of a permanent nature.
He states that the signing of the bill into law is a new year present to Zambian workers the majority of whom have for a long time suffered exploitation and abuse of their rights through Casualization.
Mr. Shamenda says given the rampant violations and exploitation of workers’ rights in the country, government was prompted to fast track amendments to the employment Act cap 268 to arrest the scourge of Casualization.
He adds that the new law will also regulate fixed term contracts of employment where employees will not be perpetually kept on fixed term contracts renewed at various intervals.
The Labour Minister further states that the relief that the amendment Act brings is the protection of jobs for the workers.
Mr. Shamenda points out that an employer will not be allowed to terminate employment of a worker without a valid reason, but that this does not protect nonperforming and indiscipline employees from being punished or dismissed.
He has since urged workers to ensure that their productivity and discipline levels remain high.