Investors need to be oriented on local culture

The issue is the opposition parties are now quiet and have not made it a point to ensure that the government or BEDIA facilitates the orientations of these companies on the culture and laws of this country. It must be borne in mind that most of these companies come from countries where labour laws and human rights are not observed or are non-existent.

Some of the female employees have had to face sexual harassment. Permanent employment is guaranteed in exchange for sex. Things like hours of work, lunch and tea breaks are less than regulated by employment. These companies employ JC and O' level school leavers who have no work experience. They are given six months' probationary periods and recently the six months elapsed and they were extended to 12 months. Permission to go to the doctor is an offence, they dismiss female employees who fall pregnant and their annual leave is taken only when management wants a break from work. All this for just P625 a month.