The story pasted below, from the Daily Mail this morning suggests that, having been a key driver of the state's focus on mines safety and taxation after the last election, opposition leader Michael Sata will focus this time round on terms and conditions. Without an alliance with the smaller opposition parties, particulally the UPND, it seems relatively unlikely Sata will improve significantly on his showing in 2006, but his ability to highlight popular concerns and pressure the ruling party is already proven. With an update to Zambia's ancient and oppressive labour legislation constantly promised and never delivered, this could be an important intervention.
PF's positions on two major policy issues appear confused however. How will they align themselves on the proposed return to a one-industry, one-union rule? Joyce Nonde of the threatened FFTUZ is one of the few civil society leaders to explicitly back PF. But the issue is divisive on the Copperbelt. Secondly, what is the PF position on mine taxes. Sata's staunchest supporters, Given Lubinda and Guy Scott have led the charge against the companies in Parliament threatening to lead mass action against companies refusing to pay. And yet, just as a political open goal has opened up in the middle of the campaign, with the companies openly resisting the new regime, PF suddenly seems to have gone quiet. Sata decided some months ago that the appropriate line of attack against the MMD was the means by which the taxes were imposed unilaterally. That left a gap between the most senior PF politicians. Can they close it and speak with one voice?
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Sata counsels mine owners
By MUKULA MUKULA
PATROTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata has urged mine owners on the Copperbelt to improve conditions of service for their workers.
Mr Sata also said mine owners owing suppliers should settle the debts.
He was addressing Kitwe residents at Freedom Park.
Mr Sata is one of the presidential candidates in the October 30 election.
He said if elected, he would introduce laws that would bring dignity to workers, especially those working in the mines.
Mr Sata alleged that miners on the Copperbelt were suffering because the privatisation of mines was not done well.
He said he would pursue those who allegedly mishandled the privatisation of the mines under President Chiluba.
Mr Sata alleged that he was in the MMD long enough to know the people who mishandled the privatisation process.
“We shall change the laws to suit our environment and to suit the international employment act. Any job that can be done by Zambians should not be for expatriates,” he said.
Mr Sata said he had no intention of chasing away any investor as he would welcome those who respect Zambia’s labour laws.
Mr Sata said if PF forms government, he would ensure that every chiefdom and township had a secondary school while those run by the missionaries would receive 100 per cent funding.
He said pensioners and retirees would promptly receive their dues in his government.
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