MCTU advocates employees safety

Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) on Monday called on employers operating in non-essential services in all districts affected by Cyclone Freddy to temporarily suspend operations for safety of their staff.

This comes as reports indicate that cyclone has affected over ten districts in the Southern Region, displacing and killing many.

In a statement released on Monday, the union says both employers and employees must strictly monitor the situations on the ground.

MCTU Secretary General Madalitso Njolomole said the cyclone has had implications on, among other groups, the labour force and the work place.

Njolomole said apart from suspending operations of non-essential services, employers must also not terminate employment or deduct wages from all employees or punish them for failing to report for duties due to Cyclone Freddy.

“You know this is very pathetic and MCTU looking on how we are losing people especially the workers, we are appealing for the employers to reflect on the current situation the country has been going through,” he said.

Meanwhile Executive Director for Employers Consultative Association of Malawi-Ecam George Khaki welcomed the MCTU recommendations.

Khaki said the association has already advised its members to ensure safety of their employees.

“We have seen some companies suspending operations, we have seen other encouraging their workers working from home, so there is progress,” he said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Cyclone Freddy had killed 190 people while displacing over 4000 households since last Friday.