The Lesotho General Trade Workers Union (GENTU) has accused several multinational companies operating in Lesotho of persistently violating labour laws and international labour standards, calling for tougher enforcement of the Labour Act No. 3 of 2024 and greater accountability from employers.
Addressing a media briefing this week, GENTU General Secretary Bahlakoana Shaw Lebakae said the union has formally raised a number of complaints with the Ministry of Labour and Employment after engagements with some employers allegedly failed to resolve longstanding workplace disputes.
According to the union, the alleged violations span several sectors and include failure to provide written employment contracts, non-compliance with statutory minimum wages, non-payment of overtime, inadequate occupational health and safety measures, and poor working conditions.
GENTU further alleges that some employers maintain uniform salary structures without recognising employees’ length of service, while others fail to provide transport for night-shift workers or adequate accommodation where such facilities are offered.
The union also raised concerns over workers allegedly being required to purchase their own work uniforms, the absence of regular medical examinations for employees exposed to hazardous working environments, inadequate protective equipment and poor compliance with workplace safety standards.
Lebakae further alleged that some truck drivers and their assistants are required to undertake overnight journeys through mountainous terrain while receiving minimal sleep-out allowances, exposing both workers and the public to increased road safety risks caused by fatigue.
The union has also called on the Ministry of Labour to investigate whether some employers are complying with legal provisions governing the employment of expatriate workers and other statutory obligations under the Labour Act.
In addition, GENTU alleges that some workers continue to face unfair labour practices, including unequal treatment regarding off-days, deductions from sick leave, inadequate workplace security measures, lack of employment contracts and being required to train new employees without additional compensation.
The union further expressed concern over proposed changes to employee pension and risk benefit arrangements by some employers, arguing that such changes could leave workers worse off and therefore conflict with Section 129(5) of the Labour Act.
Lebakae said GENTU also continues to receive complaints from workers in the textile and garment industry, indicating that labour rights concerns remain prevalent across the sector.
Beyond workplace grievances, the union criticised the implementation of the Labour Act’s dispute resolution framework, arguing that separating conciliation and arbitration has slowed the resolution of labour disputes.
“In our experience as trade unionists, the Government of Lesotho has underestimated the importance of the Ministry of Labour for the past 27 years,” Lebakae said.
He attributed delays in resolving labour disputes to shortages of labour inspectors, conciliators, arbitrators and Labour Court personnel, which he said continue to undermine effective enforcement of workers’ rights.
Lebakae urged government to strengthen labour institutions and improve enforcement of labour legislation to ensure employees receive the protections guaranteed under both national law and international labour standards.
Summary
- The Lesotho General Trade Workers Union (GENTU) has accused several multinational companies operating in Lesotho of persistently violating labour laws and international labour standards, calling for tougher enforcement of the Labour Act No.
- Addressing a media briefing this week, GENTU General Secretary Bahlakoana Shaw Lebakae said the union has formally raised a number of complaints with the Ministry of Labour and Employment after engagements with some employers allegedly failed to resolve longstanding workplace disputes.
- The union has also called on the Ministry of Labour to investigate whether some employers are complying with legal provisions governing the employment of expatriate workers and other statutory obligations under the Labour Act.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
