…as employees stage protest amidst company crisis and layoffs
Letsatsi Selikoe
THE management of the government-owned clay brick producer, Loti Brick, has announced the “temporary” closure of the firm to address the financial crisis that has paralysed its operations for years.
It remains uncertain whether Loti Brick will?ever?reopen however.??The government is set to deliberate on the company’s?future?tomorrow.
Established in 1978, the company is controlled by the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC). Its operations cover the manufacturing, sales, and distribution of clay brick products. Loti Brick has the capacity to produce over a million units of high-quality clay, plaster, paster, and paver bricks per month.
However, production has decreased over the years due to financial woes that have crippled operations and led to layoffs of staff.
Management issued a brief statement on Friday afternoon informing the public about the closure of Loti Brick.
“Customers are hereby notified that Loti Brick is temporarily closed until further notice. Loti Brick apologizes for the inconvenience caused,” the statement read.
This after a group of disgruntled Loti Brick employees gathered in front of the company gates on Friday morning, expressing their frustration and despair over their extended unpaid leave amidst ongoing cash flow issues.
The employees had been on a month-long?forced?leave and were expected to return to work on Thursday, only to find the gates locked.
The company has been facing severe financial difficulties for some time, prompting management to grant employees leave in the hope of stabilising the business. However, upon their return, the employees were told they would need to stay home for an additional three months without pay.
“We tried everything we could to save this company. We suggested salary cuts to help keep the business afloat, but it seems our sacrifices have gone unnoticed. Seeing that some employees, who earn much higher salaries than we do, continue to be fully compensated while we are left stranded is infuriating,” said a long-time employee during the protest.
Their gathering on Friday was not just out of anger of?being left without pay,?it also stemmed from feelings of betrayal and hopelessness in light of the company’s apparent disregard for its workforce. Employees expressed concern over their inability to apply for jobs elsewhere due to their contractual obligations with Loti Brick.
“All we are asking for now is our terminal benefits so that we can leave in peace. We cannot find work when we are bound to a company that doesn’t even pay us anymore,” stated another employee, a father of three.
Only representatives from United Textile Employees (UNITE), a union representing the workers, were allowed into the Ha Thetsane situated compound on Friday to present their grievances to management. The union’s representative, Tanki Sepamo, later told this publication that they wanted clarity regarding the employees’ future and requested a timeline for the resolution of their demands.
He said a management representative assured the union that they would respond within 10 working days but also indicated a plan to conduct immediate layoffs.
Contacted for comment, LNDC interim Chief Executive Officer, Molise Ramaili, confirmed to the?Sunday Express?that the government and LNDC would meet tomorrow to determine the way forward.
“I cannot speak on the Loti Brick issues at the moment because we are yet to meet on Monday to deliberate on the matter. It is only after the meeting that I can provide a clear answer regarding its fate,” Advocate Ramaili said.