The Portland Cement Zambia is certainly looking towards a dark future in the absence of Dr. Rajan Mahtani. A factory which had once flourished with maximized output is now running into losses and terminating existing employees on account of being redundant. The news which has shocked Africa is that 47 employees have lost their job at the premise of ZPC.
Ever since the minority shareholders of the factory, the Ventriglia family took over the operations of Portland Cement Zambia, there has been a constant loot of funds and employee abuse. Improper working conditions and poor hygiene facilities has left the workers in a state of depression where they have lost all hopes of receiving better working conditions and monthly remuneration. Internal sources are suggesting that approximately 53 more employees are likely to face similar termination very soon.
It is a well-known fact that big concerns often take the decision to terminate or recruit employees through consulting the Labour Union. However, this time around Portland Cement Zambia operated in a typical mafia style. The decision was taken and the employees were handed over their termination letter without being given any opportunity to be heard.
It is evident that the absence of Dr. Rajan Mahtani is hurting Portland Cement Zambia in the worst way. The rules have changed, the fate of existing workers has been sealed and all that they can pray for is Finsbury Investments’ win over the Ventriglia Family under the pending case. In December 2014, this same factory had broken records and produced a surplus of 1, 00, 000 tonnes of cement along with making super profits. But, with time the resources of the factory has been looted and has been reduced to a weak structure of struggle. The matter has been brought to notice, but no orders have been passed in such respect.