Fri, 22 Dec 2017 10:15:52 +0000
By EDWARD MWANGO
THE long arm of the law is closing in on trade unions misappropriating workers’ funds paid as membership fees with Labour and Social Security Minister, Joyce Nonde-Simukoko charging that the culprits were pilfering the funds with impunity as if they were withdrawing from ATMs.
And the Ministry has launched investigations into the reports after which forensic audits would be conducted to verify whether the funds were used for the intended purposes.
In an interview with the Daily Nation, Ms Nonde-Simukoko revealed that out of 65 unions, only 30 had so far submitted financial statements to her ministry.
This followed an ultimatum issued to the unions recently for them to submit financial statements.
‘Some culprits are abusing workers’ funds with impunity as if they were withdrawing money from their ATMs.
We know that some labour leaders have identified loose money in the unions which they use to enrich themselves but as a ministry, we shall make sure that the law catches up with them,” said Ms Nonde-Simukoko.
Ms Nonde-Simukoko also charged that there were many unions which are splitting as a result of selfish interests.
Asked whether she felt comfortable with the current scenario where there is a proliferation of unions, the Labour Minister said unions were at liberty to exercise their freedom of association as long as they were doing it in line with the labour laws.
“There is need to maximise on workers’ education within the labour movement because in every sector we have multiple unions which should demonstrate unity and not thrive on selfish interests to put more money in their pockets,” noted Ms Nonde-Simukoko. Currently, Zambia has numerous unions in every sector most of which are duplicating duties although this was done under a one-umbrella body.
