Magunas Supermarket, a prominent retail chain in Kenya, has long been a player in the competitive sector.
However, recent reports and testimonies from employees paint a picture of exploitation, poor working conditions, and a lack of respect for the workforce.
The experiences shared by some employees reveal a deeply concerning pattern of management practices that appear to prioritize profit over the well-being of their staff.
One of the most concerning complaints centers around the unrealistic expectations placed on employees.
Workers are expected to report to work by 7:10 a.m. sharp, with closing hours set at 10 p.m.
This long working day, which extends to over 12 hours, comes with additional duties that seem disproportionate to the tasks one might expect in a retail environment.
Employees are required to wash the building with dusters after a long shift, a task that seems both unnecessary and exploitative given the already demanding nature of the job.
The issue of salary management also raises red flags.
Several workers have complained about a “constant salary,” with no prospect of an increase despite the rising cost of living.
This stagnant pay, paired with monthly deductions labeled as variance without clear explanation has caused quite major frustration.
Some employees report not even receiving a payslip, further suggesting a lack of transparency in the company’s payroll system.
These deductions are allegedly taken from their pay without justification, with reasons such as missing items or damaged stock, making it difficult for workers to know where their hard-earned money is actually going.
The company’s lack of empathy toward its employees’ well-being is another critical issue.
Employees have reported that if they fall ill, their pay is deducted without consideration, showing a lack of basic employee rights and welfare.
This is particularly concerning in a time when many workers rely heavily on their income to cover healthcare and living expenses.
The failure to accommodate those who fall ill further paints a picture of a company that does not value its workforce as human beings but rather as expendable commodities.
For male employees, the situation is equally harsh.
Men are sometimes pulled from their primary duties to offload lorries, often working for hours on end without any compensation or regard for their time.
These extra tasks seem to be assigned without any concern for their regular duties, adding unnecessary stress and labor without any financial recognition.
Transfers within the company are another issue that has caused frustration among workers.
Employees are given less than two days’ notice to move to a new location, often with no assistance or compensation for the costs associated with the transfer.
This lack of proper planning and care for employees’ personal circumstances demonstrates a disregard for workers’ rights and well-being.
Despite these grave concerns, the management at Magunas seems uninterested in addressing these issues.
The company’s apparent reluctance to engage in open conversations about salary increases and worker welfare further highlights the systemic problems within the organization.
Instead, the management continues to prioritize profits over people, focusing on immediate gains rather than fostering a healthy and supportive work environment.
The allegations and reports from employees paint a troubling picture of Magunas as an employer.
The company’s disregard for employee welfare, transparency in financial matters, and failure to address critical issues of working conditions and pay raises suggest that, behind its corporate image, lies a toxic and exploitative culture.
For the sake of its employees and its long-term reputation, it is imperative that Magunas reassesses its practices and takes meaningful steps to improve the treatment of its workforce.
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