By Glory Msowoya
Some employees for Chibuku Products Limited (CPL) have expressed concern over the company’ decision to use the 21 day lockdown period as forced annual leave for its employees.
In a communiqué on Covid-19 lockdown made available to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday, signed by Managing Director for Chibuku Products Limited (CPL) Gerald Bowler the entire lockdown has had significant impact on the business and company future operations
“As such, the trading environment remains uncertain. So in order to safeguard the business and employees interests we have put in place a number of measures.
One of them is that all employees will be sent on forced leave for the 21 days using the period of lockdown,” he said.
Bowler further said currently, the company has shut down its operations due to the Covid-19 presidential directive measures.
In reaction to the development, Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) secretary general, Dennis Kalekeni described CPL decision as an unacceptable.
Kalekeni further urged companies in the country to follow proper procedures when providing measures in line with the pandemic to ensure that labour justice for both employers and workers are protected.
“We need to admit that we are in a crisis, nobody was expecting this pandemic.
But for companies to use 21 days as annual leave it is not proper. Remember, the profits for the companies emanate from inclusiveness in decision the workforce, “ he said.
Kaphale has, therefore, suggested the need for contact and dialogue between CPL management and the employees in order to resolve the issue amicably.
On Tuesday, government announced a 21 day lockdown starting from 18th April to May 9, 2020 as a key measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
