GOV’T SUSPENDS CHINA 11th CONSTRUCTION OVER LABOUR ABUSES

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Posted by admin on September 24, 2025 at 2:23 AM

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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has indefinitely suspended operations at China Eleventh Chemicals Construction Company and five subcontractors working under United Capital Fertilizer, citing widespread violations of Zambia’s labour laws and occupational safety standards.

The affected firms Eleco, Shenlong, NCEC (main contractor), Xin Yang, and Draz Company — were each fined K160, 000 under Section 133 of the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019. The fines, payable by 15 October 2025, follow damning findings by labour inspectors.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa condemned the breaches, stating they undermine Zambia’s Vision Zero campaign, which aims to eliminate workplace fatalities and injuries.

He highlighted the violations as No employment contracts issued,Wages below statutory minimum, Non-payment for overtime, Absence of payslips, Poor sanitation and lack of lavatories, No Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Obstruction of inspectors, Physical abuse of workers  and No registration with NAPSA, WCFCB, or NHIMA

 “The Ministry will not wait for an accident to occur before intervening. Operations will remain suspended until safety measures are fully implemented and verified,” Muntengwa said.

He ordered the companies to Settle all wage arrears, Pay for overtime, Harmonise pay structures, Issue payslips and Ensure full payment to workers during suspension

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba emphasized that decent work is central to national development, warning employers against practices that compromise safety, dignity, and workers’ rights.

“Corporate Social Responsibility begins with workers’ welfare. A job cannot be called a job if it is not decent, if workers have no contracts, and if they cannot unionise,” she said.

She criticized the companies’ failure to provide a clear organogram and warned against retaliating against workers who report abuses.

“No amount of profit is worth a worker’s life. PPE is not optional it protects both management and employees. Compliance with the law is non-negotiable,” Tambatamba added.

Ms Tambatamba made it clear operations will only resume once full compliance is achieved. This marks a firm stance on labour justice and a renewed push for safe, dignified, and lawful employment practices across Zambia’s industrial landscape.