The Labour Commissioner has launched an investigation into Cochrane Trucking Company in Lusaka’s 10 Miles area following a series of complaints from truck drivers alleging underpayment, intimidation and unfair labour practices.
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Yesterday, the Commissioner Givens Muntengwa in the company of inspectors from the Ministry’s statutory bodies and departments, inspected the transport firm.
Muntengwa said preliminary findings revealed that some drivers were reportedly being paid below the statutory minimum wage, while some drivers were allegedly charged for fuel shortages even when the suspected pilferage was beyond their control.
Others were abruptly removed from trucks and left idle without any formal disciplinary hearing.
“This practice of dropping drivers is illegal. Disciplinary procedures must be clear and known. Employers must display rules and grievance procedures where workers can see them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cochrane Trucking Company Human Resource Manager, Matthews Mulenga, refuted the complaints, stating that the company has not unlawfully laid off any driver but has subjected some to disciplinary action in line with the company’s code of conduct after alleged cases of fuel theft.
“No driver has been dismissed outside procedure. Those on discipline are being dealt with according to the company’s code of conduct after allegations of fuel theft,” disclosed Mulenga.
Meanwhile, the commissioner directed Cochrane Trucking to surrender employment contracts, payrolls and payslips for verification and warned the company that intimidation only damages their reputation.
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 17, 2025
