We need better monitoring of minimum wage benefits

Staff Writer | Thursday March 6, 2014 09:15

What we have noticed is that even after reviews, there is poor monitoring to ensure that the minimum wage is paid. This means that a significant number of the targeted workers may not benefit. The reviews therefore mean little to the intended beneficiaries, especially in the private sector. Some of them quit their jobs to join the better paying government labour-based poverty alleviation programmes.

MPs have accused some companies of violating the Employment Act by making their employees to work long hours and paying low wages. These are the issues that the government should address before venturing into poverty eradication shows, which create a dependence mentality on government handouts.

The slow pace of the wheels of justice at the Industrial Court has also caught the attention of legislators. It takes an average of two years for the court to dispense with a case. During the delay, the employee in the case often finds him/herself struggling to make ends meet due to lack of financial resources.

This slow progress at the Industrial Court is an annual song that has been around for many years. It is always sung during budget debates. Something needs to be done. Otherwise, workers may be discouraged and lose faith in the court and government adjudication processes. It is a dangerous development that may lead to lawlessness.

We are wondering whether the court has adopted the Judicial Case Management System that has been introduced in the judiciary. By the way, what is the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs doing to improve industrial inspections? We are aware of serious violations of human and labour rights in some factory shells in the country that need the ministry’s attention.

The minister, Edwin Batshu has proven to be a firm taskmaster, as demonstrated by his war against churches. He should divert the same energy to fight unlawful labour practices, preserve jobs for Batswana and create a country that can effectively attract foreign investors.

Otherwise, our labour relations are not good and action is needed to avert disaster. Tokenism will not work and robust action is what is needed to stem the tide.