The Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) on Tuesday, November 29, clarified about the impending firing of workers at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) company.
“On Wednesday, 25th October 2023, it was resolved, outlined and agreed upon by all parties in one of these engagements that there shall be no loss of jobs and termination of benefits for the employees with the upcoming change in ownership,” read part pf the statement.
In its statement, the Authority noted that the company was only changing its ownership but not fully shutting down.
“EPZA hereby informs and assures the public and the employees concerned that the EPZ companies will not close but are undergoing change of ownership,” read the statement in part.
Also Read: Are Export Processing Zones (EPZS) Living Up to the Hype?
Further, EPZA noted they had consultative engagements with all relevant stakeholders (EPZA, Mombasa Apparel, Mombasa Apparel, employee representatives of both companies and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection).
EPZ as an Employee
EPZA noted that it regulates and administers activities in the EPZ program and is committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of EPZ companies’ employees.
Furthermore, in ensuring full compliance and adherence to the industrial and labor regulations, the Authority added that it has put in place structures to guarantee sound labor practices in the EPZ companies.
Additionally, the company said that it was committed to creating job opportunities for all in the country.
“One of the main objectives of the EPZ program being employment creation, EPZA is committed to creating, availing and retaining employment opportunities for our citizens,” the authority noted.
The Parliamentary Committee
According to reports the company would fire the employees and only hire them back depending on the requirements of the new ownership.
Also Read: CIC Signals Mass Layoffs, Gives Employees Option
The notice came days after the Principal Secretary in the Labour Department Shadrack Mwadime appeared before the Committee on Monday, November 27, to respond to questions on the plight of the over 7,000 employees.
In his response, the PS assured that the management of two companies would appear before the Labour Office in Mombasa for clarifications on the employees’ uncertain future.
Additionally, members of the Labour Committee grilled PS Mwadime on various concerns raised by Changamwe lawmaker Omar Mwinyi alluding to unfair treatment of the employees.
