By Twink Jones Gadama
In a dramatic turn of events, NT Plastics Manufacturing Limited has pledged to provide a safe and healthy workplace for its employees within seven days, amidst mounting labour controversy.
The company’s managing director, Zhouh Youn Fei, was arrested earlier this week for defying a government order to suspend operations until labour-related issues are resolved.
According to a letter addressed to the director of Occupational Safety and Health at the Ministry of Labour, signed by the company’s lawyer Chancy Gondwe, NT Plastics has committed to making significant improvements to its working conditions. These include providing adequate personal protective equipment to all employees, ensuring a properly ventilated workplace, improving sanitary facilities, revising working hours, and enhancing employee contracts.
The company has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of employees, including operating without functional toilets, locking workers inside the factory, and exposing them to hazardous conditions without necessary safety measures.
The pledge to improve working conditions comes as a welcome relief to employees and labour activists, who have been advocating for better treatment of workers at NT Plastics. The company’s commitment to comply with the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees.
However, labour activists remain skeptical, citing concerns about the company’s ability to implement meaningful changes within the stipulated seven-day period. “We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that NT Plastics lives up to its commitments,” said a labour activist, who wished to remain anonymous.
As the controversy surrounding NT Plastics continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the company’s pledge to improve working conditions is a crucial step towards addressing the labour-related issues that have plagued its operations.
