Meat House Suspended, Fined K80,000 for Labour Violations
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has suspended operations at Meat House and its sister company, Garant Dry Construction Mixtures, following serious breaches of occupational safety and labour standards.
The suspension follows inspections by the Ministry, which found that the companies had failed to provide workers with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), exposing employees to unsafe working conditions in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025.
As part of the enforcement action, the companies have been fined a total of K80,000. A penalty of K40,000 was imposed for the late payment of terminal benefits to former employees, while a further K40,000 was issued for the absence of mandatory workplace and employment policies. The latter fine may be waived if the required documentation is submitted promptly in accordance with labour regulations.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, directed the managing director, Jakhongir Aripdjanov, to champion the decent work agenda and set an example for compliance within the industry.
She emphasised that employers should foster workplaces where employees feel valued, protected and respected, noting that strong ethical practices can turn workers into advocates for their organisations.
The Minister also condemned reports of worker harassment at the facilities, stressing that such behaviour is unacceptable and contravenes International Labour Organization Convention No. 190, which prohibits violence and harassment in the world of work.
Meanwhile, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa has summoned management at National Breweries, together with trade union representatives, to the Ministry on Thursday, 22 January 2026, following their failure to conclude negotiations on workers’ conditions of service.
