Over 140 unionised and non-unionised workers at Northern Technical College (NORTEC) in Ndola, have staged a protest demanding for their unpaid gratuities in excess of K20 Million.
The workers said the institution owes employees gratuities from 2019 to date amounting to over K20 Million.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, Wildie Mutelo said the situation had demotivated employees, as they feel their gratuity money is losing value over time.
Mr. Mutelo revealed that the institution had also not been remitting contributions to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) since 2019, despite making deductions from worker’s salaries.
He said the confirmed debt from NAPSA is over K22 Million.
Mr. Mutelo said the union has tried raising the concerns with management, but that nothing has been done.
He added that some workers whose contracts had ended, were removed from the payroll without given their gratuity, which is against the law.
Other workers are being underpaid, instead of following the correct salary scales.
Mr. Mutelo has called on Government to intervene and ensure that something is done to resolve their situation.
And, one of the Lecturers, Jordan Kaoma said the major problem is leadership crisis which the institution has been experiencing since the college principal passed on earlier this year.
Mr. Kaoma said the position is still vacant and has not been advertised which is affecting management performance.
He further disclosed that the institution also has inadequate teaching materials, which was affecting student outcomes.
Meanwhile, Acting Principal Martin Kasonso declined to give comment by press time, saying he was busy in a meeting.
