The Post reports that Industrial unrest is looming at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi following the collapse of negotiations for new conditions of service for the workers between management and the unions.
Both Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and National Allied Workers Union (NUMAW) officials separately confirmed that workers were ready to go on strike to compel management to meet their demands.
The officials, who did not want to be named, complained that their management had left them guessing on the way forward regarding negotiations.
They indicated that despite labour Commissioner, Noah Siasimuna extending the negotiations, Kansanshi Mine management had not yet indicated when talks should resume.
The officials expressed fear that the workers were threatening to beat them up and accusing them of being compromised by management, hence their failure to conclude negotiations on time.
“If any damage is to be caused to the company property, we are not to blame but management should blame themselves for failing to conclude negotiations on time because any time from now there is likely to be a strike at the mine,” one of the officials warned.
They explained that management’s negative attitude towards negotiations was not new as this had been the trend even in the past negotiations.
The officials warned management that this time they should take responsibility for any strike action because workers were not happy.
The union leaders said they had tried their best to calm the situation and prevent a strike but management was disappointing them for refusing to give workers a decent wage.
By comparison, the officials indicated that the least paid worker at Konkola Copper Mine got almost K2 million while at Kansanshi it was K1 million.
“Kansanshi Mine makes a profit of over US $20 million every month as indicated in monthly financial flash reports due to high copper price and also that the workers are working very hard to meet their target but we are wondering as to why we can’t be given what is due to us,” claimed one of the officials.
When contacted for a comment, Kansanshi public relations manager, Godfrey Msiska said negotiations had resumed.
“I have no comment, all I can tell you is that they are having a meeting tomorrow (Monday) so get in touch for the outcome,” said Msiska.
No comments:
Post a Comment