IN ANY country, the importance of domestic workers, shopkeepers and general workers cannot be overstated due to innumerable reasons.
Domestic workers play a crucial role in households by performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and gardening.
Their contributions enable families to maintain a comfortable and organised living environment.
For shopkeepers, they are the backbone of retail businesses. They manage stores, handle inventory, assist customers, and ensure smooth operations.
Shopkeepers directly interact with customers, providing information, recommendations, and personalised service. Their friendly demeanour influences customer satisfaction and loyalty.
General workers, on the other hand, perform diverse tasks across various sectors. They may work in construction, factories, agriculture, or other fields.
They contribute to building infrastructure, maintaining roads, constructing buildings, and improving public spaces. Their labour is essential for national development.
It is, therefore, imperative that these categories of workers in Zambia are well taken care of by their employers in terms of wages or salaries, treating them well, and respecting their rights.
We, as such, agree with Vice-President Mutale Nalumango when
she stresses the need for employers of domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers to pay them the prescribed minimum wages as it is a legal obligation.
Realising that some employers of domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers exploit these employees, Government recently revised the minimum wages for such workers to curb exploitation.
Gracing Labour Day festivities in Lusaka yesterday, Mrs Nalumango counselled employers in the country to implement the 2024 revised minimum wages and pay their workers well to boost productivity.
“Domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers must be paid properly according to the law. This is effective January 2024.
“The desire of Government is for all workers in the country to meet their basic needs and sustain their families,” she stated.
We equally urge employers of these groups of workers to respect the law and ensure that they adhere to the prescribed minimum wages failure to which will attract sanctions against law transgressors.
It is unfortunate that despite Government passing a statutory instrument prescribing minimum wages for domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers, some employers have continued to exploit their employees.
What the employers may not know is the fact that by paying their workers the required minimum wages and salaries, they also benefit from this gesture.
Paying minimum wages can lead to a more stable workforce. When employees are compensated fairly, they are likely to stay with the employer longer, reducing turnover rates.
Reduced turnover means employers spend less time and resources on recruitment, training, and onboarding new staff.
Adequate compensation motivates workers to perform better. When workers feel valued and fairly rewarded, they are more likely to put in their best effort.Higher productivity benefits the employer by improving overall business efficiency.
Also, employers who pay minimum wages demonstrate social responsibility and ethical business practices.
A positive reputation attracts both customers and potential employees, contributing to the employer’s success.
Further, adhering to minimum wage laws ensures legal compliance. Employers who violate these regulations may face fines or legal consequences.
There is also the aspect of economic stability. A stable workforce with decent wages contributes to economic stability.
When workers earn enough to cover basic needs, they participate actively in the economy, thereby contributing to the overall development of the country…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
Paying minimum wages a must
IN ANY country, the importance of domestic workers, shopkeepers and general workers cannot be overstated due to innumerable reasons.
Domestic workers play a crucial role in households by performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, and gardening.
Their contributions enable families to maintain a comfortable and organised living environment.
For shopkeepers, they are the backbone of retail businesses. They manage stores, handle inventory, assist customers, and ensure smooth operations.
Shopkeepers directly interact with customers, providing information, recommendations, and personalised service. Their friendly demeanour influences customer satisfaction and loyalty.
General workers, on the other hand, perform diverse tasks across various sectors. They may work in construction, factories, agriculture, or other fields.
They contribute to building infrastructure, maintaining roads, constructing buildings, and improving public spaces. Their labour is essential for national development.
It is, therefore, imperative that these categories of workers in Zambia are well taken care of by their employers in terms of wages or salaries, treating them well, and respecting their rights.
We, as such, agree with Vice-President Mutale Nalumango when
she stresses the need for employers of domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers to pay them the prescribed minimum wages as it is a legal obligation.
Realising that some employers of domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers exploit these employees, Government recently revised the minimum wages for such workers to curb exploitation.
Gracing Labour Day festivities in Lusaka yesterday, Mrs Nalumango counselled employers in the country to implement the 2024 revised minimum wages and pay their workers well to boost productivity.
“Domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers must be paid properly according to the law. This is effective January 2024.
“The desire of Government is for all workers in the country to meet their basic needs and sustain their families,” she stated.
We equally urge employers of these groups of workers to respect the law and ensure that they adhere to the prescribed minimum wages failure to which will attract sanctions against law transgressors.
It is unfortunate that despite Government passing a statutory instrument prescribing minimum wages for domestic workers, shopkeepers, and general workers, some employers have continued to exploit their employees.
What the employers may not know is the fact that by paying their workers the required minimum wages and salaries, they also benefit from this gesture.
Paying minimum wages can lead to a more stable workforce. When employees are compensated fairly, they are likely to stay with the employer longer, reducing turnover rates.
Reduced turnover means employers spend less time and resources on recruitment, training, and onboarding new staff.
Adequate compensation motivates workers to perform better. When workers feel valued and fairly rewarded, they are more likely to put in their best effort.Higher productivity benefits the employer by improving overall business efficiency.
Also, employers who pay minimum wages demonstrate social responsibility and ethical business practices.
A positive reputation attracts both customers and potential employees, contributing to the employer’s success.
Further, adhering to minimum wage laws ensures legal compliance. Employers who violate these regulations may face fines or legal consequences.
There is also the aspect of economic stability. A stable workforce with decent wages contributes to economic stability.
When workers earn enough to cover basic needs, they participate actively in the economy, thereby contributing to the overall development of the country…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home