Worker Revolt Forces Marcopolo Shutdown

.... Moonga says disgruntled staff stage unlawful strike, prompting safety-related production halt.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  - (May 5, 2025 ) – Marcopolo Tiles Company Limited has shut down its main production facility in Lusaka following an unlawful strike by a section of employees protesting the company's salary disbursement procedures.

The strike, which began on May 1, 2025, disrupted normal operations and forced management to suspend production temporarily, citing safety and administrative concerns.

In a statement, Human Resource Manager Clare Moonga said the dispute arose despite the company having fully honoured a salary adjustment agreement signed with the union.

 The protesting employees reportedly demanded that their base salaries and the recent pay increment be issued as separate payments, although the full amount had already been paid in a lump sum.

“Following extensive negotiations, a salary adjustment deal was signed and fully honoured,” said Moonga. 

“Nonetheless, a section of the workforce chose to defy that agreement by engaging in protest, disregarding established procedures, and undermining the spirit of mutual understanding.”

Marcopolo Tiles stated that the decision to suspend operations was necessary to maintain order and protect company assets. The shutdown will remain in effect until the matter is resolved through appropriate labor relations mechanisms.

Despite the halt in production, the company reassured its clients that product availability would not be affected, noting that stock remains accessible through its nationwide network of authorized distributors.

“We continue to prioritize open dialogue and encourage all stakeholders to engage constructively to reach a sustainable resolution,” the statement read. 

“Our employees’ welfare, customer satisfaction, and stakeholder confidence remain central to our operations.”

The company pledged to provide timely updates as the situation develops.