Employers warned on exploitation
Workers march in Gulu Town to mark the Labour Day celebrations last Friday. PHOTO BY JAMES OWICH
Gulu. Gulu District leaders have accused business proprietors of deliberately ignoring the rights of their employees.
Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations in Gulu Town last Friday, the leaders accused employers of valuing their businesses more than the lives of the workers.
The LC5 chairperson, Mr Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, said most employers mistreat their workers and subject them to deplorable work conditions.
“Most employers will first ask for the status of their businesses instead of that of their workers in case of any accident. We should stop exploiting our workers. Try as much as possible to provide protective gears to protect our workers from any eventuality at the place of work,” Mr Mapenduzi said.
The district Woman MP, Ms Betty Aol Ocan, said motivation of workers was key in business, but noted that many employers do not consider it.
“There is need for a minimum wage to be put in place so that workers live meaningful lives even after retiring,” Ms Ocan said.
The Resident District Commissioner, Ms Catherine Lamwaka, said government was aware of such concerns.
Although there are workers’ unions to protect employees, recently, Mr Sam Lyomoki, the secretary general of Confederation of Free Trade Unions, said the bodies are affected by lack of goodwill from employers and government to implement work place policies.
“Some employers fight unions because they know they have no chance to violate the rights of their employees. Besides, some workers haven’t embraced the importance of unions,” Mr Lyomoki said.
