Chambishi's Striking Workers Keep Riot Cops Busy

The Lusaka Times and The Post both report a strike by workers at Chambishi Copper Smelter.

500 workers have downed tools to demand better pay and conditions. Workers protested outside the plant and blocked the road leading to the main gate of the plant. The Lusaka Times reports, "They also barred officials from the Kitwe labour office from entering the plant accusing them of receiving bribes from the management at the plant."

Police in full riot gear have been deployed at the plant. They won't need to have changed or moved too far, having deployed yesterday in Mufulira to pre-empt any unrest following the acid spell by MCM.

In a telephone interview with The Post, company acting chief executive officer Zihun Ting said he hoped the workers would return to work, but showed a limited understanding of the finer points of labour conciliation, arguing, "We are paying them according to the labour laws, and according to the number of hours one works in a month. Those complaining are the ones who are in a habit of absconding from work."

Workers told The Post "We are paid very little money, we are getting between K250,000 and K500,000 per month. What can you do with such a little sum of money?" Workers were renting houses at K250,000 per month. "This is January, we are supposed to send our children to school, but we cannot afford to pay for their school fees. So that is why we have decided to down tools," he said.