It’s getting rough and tough! But for workers at Linde Motel in Mponela, Dowa, it is now survival of the fittest as the hotel management has reduced their monthly salaries by 50 percent; we have established.
Simply put, an employee who was receiving K100 000 will now be getting K50 000 per month.
The hotel’s assistant manager, Liness Kamowa declined to confirm or share details on the matter.
“Trade union handles issues like these. Kindly contact them. We are dealing with trade union. Have a good day,” that’s all Kamowa would provide for a response.
But in an internal memo in our possession, Kamowa says the company is experiencing a significant downturn in business following government’s ban of meetings outside public servants duty stations.
She describes the 50 percent salary cut as temporary and applicable to this November. Kamowa says this is a painful but necessary measure to avoid lay-offs.
“The executive team will continue monitoring company finances and re-evaluate the decision each month this year. We believe the outcome from this measure will better position the company for a solid financial future,” reads part of the memo, dated 15th November 2022.
One of the workers who opted for anonymity, blames poor management for the decision; stressing this will have serious negative impact on their lives.
Meanwhile, Hotels Union General Secretary, Shakespeare Sesani views the company’s decision as unfair; adding they will engage the company Wednesday next week.
In May this, government devalued the kwacha by 25 percent in an attempt to shore up dwindling foreign exchange reserved and curb inflation but this has led to an increase in prices of goods, high cost of living and job losses in worst cases.
A few days ago, Labour Minister Vera Kantukule warned companies that are reportedly retrenching employees illegally over the prevailing fuel crisis.
