Employees are generally hired based on specific job descriptions that outline their responsibilities and duties. While workplaces may occasionally require staff to assist in related tasks, workers expect that any additional responsibilities will be reasonable, clearly communicated, and consistent with the roles they accepted when signing their employment contracts.

Labour experts often note that problems arise when employees are assigned duties that fall significantly outside their agreed responsibilities, especially when refusal could result in threats, intimidation, or disciplinary action. Such situations can create tension in the workplace and leave employees feeling powerless, particularly in an economy where jobs are scarce and many workers fear losing their source of income.

The issue becomes even more sensitive when employees believe they are being singled out for tasks they never agreed to perform and feel they have no avenue to raise concerns. In such environments, workers may continue complying out of fear rather than genuine consent, creating frustration and resentment among staff.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

I work at Pandamart in Galleria, and I would like to raise concerns about what is happening to some employees here.

There are allegations that management has been assigning certain female employees duties that they never signed up for when they accepted their jobs.

According to workers, some female staff members are allegedly being instructed to perform laundry and cleaning tasks involving personal clothing belonging to senior staff members. Most of the clothes have faeces on them.

Employees claim that these duties were never part of their contracts or job descriptions.

What is disturbing many of us is that workers who question or refuse these assignments are allegedly threatened with disciplinary action or even dismissal.

As employees, we joined the company expecting to perform the duties outlined in our employment agreements. Many of us do not understand why staff members are now allegedly being directed to carry out personal domestic chores that appear unrelated to their official roles.

There are also concerns regarding the conduct of some supervisors.

Workers claim that supervisors often decide which employees will be assigned these duties, leaving staff feeling that they have little choice but to comply.

Because jobs are difficult to find, many employees remain silent even when they feel uncomfortable with what is being asked of them.

The fear of unemployment has made it difficult for workers to openly challenge practices they believe are unfair.

We are therefore appealing to the company's management and relevant labour authorities to investigate these concerns and clarify whether employees are being assigned duties that fall outside their contracts.

Workers deserve respect, dignity, and clear boundaries regarding the responsibilities they are expected to perform.

No employee should feel pressured into carrying out duties they did not agree to simply because they fear losing their livelihood.

Concerned Employee.