LABOUR MINISTER COMMENDS AMALGAMATED TOBACCO COMPANY FOR IMPRESSIVE WORKING CONDITIONS AMONG STAFF

The only producer of tobacco products in the country, the Amalgamated Tobacco Company, received a visit from the Minister of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Mrs, Myriam Telemaque on Friday 5th of October 2018. This visit is in line with her plan to strengthen liaison and collaboration between her Ministry and private establishments employing workers.
The visit like all others of its kind is of a procedure beginning with a tour of the establishment’s premises and sections involving interaction with staff, after which the Minister meets with the management of the company in order to discuss observations made and exchange ideas.

During the tour of the factory, each and every worker expressed significant passion for their work, the favourable relationship they have with the management, the condition of the working environment and their genuine satisfaction with the company. The Minister, accompanied by officers, acknowledged that majority of the workers were long serving; 60% of the workers have been with the company for 20 years and above and are more than willing to stay longer. This exhibited an exemplary record and proof of effective good practices in place. As observed, the working environment is also properly equipped with the required safety measures and appropriate safety gear for the workers to use to undertake their daily tasks.

The debriefing with the management had no concerns raised, which is a rare occurrence. Indeed the Minister and her delegation were impressed with the prominent effort the management has put into the consistent smooth running of the company to achieve the balance of adequate employer-worker satisfaction. The Managing Director gave an insight into what they have in place to keep their workers content which includes incentives and benefits such as bus fares for convenient transportation to and from work, medical assistance for all workers and suitable uniform. The company also invests in training for the staff which empowers them to perform their duties better, the starting salary level which happens to be significantly above similar workplaces with a minimum of 4% yearly increase, the workers as well receive 3 yearly bonuses in March, September and December along with the 13th month salary. The management of the establishment organises social activities and occasional gifts for the workers as well as long serving staff recognition which is very important for staff retention. This methods of incentive also reflects on members of the management as they feel pleased with the effort and performance of their workers, this appreciation has equally gone a long way.
After the debriefing, the management took the opportunity of the visit to discuss some minor difficulties they are encountering in regards to the tax system that are somehow impacting on incentives they currently provide for their workers.  The Managing Director asked for the Minister’s support in bringing their issues forward to Authorities concerned when she gets the chance for possible resolution.

The staff and management were of very cheerful gesture and appreciative of the visit. The Minister commended the management for their positive efforts that should be an example for others to follow.  She encouraged the workers to maintain the positive balance as she also expressed confidence in the long term built relationship between the workers and the management.