More than 560 former workers of China State Construction, who were employed on the Chikankata–Mazabuka Road Project between 2019 and 2024, are seeking the intervention of the Labour Ministry to assist in a dispute around long overdue gratuities.
The workers say that although they all completed their contracts of employment, no payments have been honored. They initially reported the matter to the Mazabuka Labour Office; however, after four months, they claim the only response from the Mazabuka Labour Office was “delays and excuses.”
The group also forwarded the matter to the Provincial Labour Office in Choma for redress, but they are also claiming a disappointing lack of action or communication in response to that matter.
Speaking on behalf of the other workers, the group stated their appeal was about fairness and justice, not just a financial settlement.
“We gave up our time and energy to this project; we deserve what we earned. We are losing our patience and asking the Honourable Minister of Labour and all relevant authority to respond swiftly in reaching a resolution,” their statement read.
The workers are calling upon government and all relevant institutions to be the symbols of their enforcement rights and to ensure the matter is treated with urgency