State action over KCM cheers MUZ

By SIMON MUNTEMBA

THE Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has commended Government for stopping Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) from transferring its employees to a Chinese mining company.

Government yesterday directed the KCM to stop the transfer of its workers to JHX and Contractors.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, Mines Minister, Christopher Yaluma said that Government will not allow employees in the mines lose their employment or go to work for some other contractors where their job security was not guaranteed.

Mr. Yaluma stated that even President Edgar Lungu made it clear during his recent visit to the Copperbelt that his government would not allow such a thing to take place.

This was a reaction to the recent announcement by KCM that it was intending to transfer about 4,000 employees to a Chinese mining company.

“As government, we will not allow KCM to transfer its employees to another company where their future is uncertain. I am therefore, redirecting and instructing KCM to stop whatever transfers they are making or those which they have made so far. I am requesting them to stop so that we can talk.

“We run an open door policy with them were dialogue is the main thing and if KCM is doing something like that they are going against what we have talked about,” Mr. Yaluma said.

He reiterated that as the pro-poor party, the ruling Patriotic Front has not diverted from its original concept of creating employment through agencies like mines and other commercial entities.

“As PF government we promised the people of Zambia that we will create employment through agencies like mines and other commercial entities as well as other indirect jobs. So we will not allow KCM to send our people in the streets,” Mr. Yaluma said. Mr. Yaluma however told the journalists that KCM had met him some few minutes before the press briefing adding that they agreed to stop the transfer until they discuss further with the government.

“I was going to be highly explosive if KCM did not come to see me for a meeting. It’s like they read my mind, before this press briefing, they came just some few minutes ago and they have agreed that no more transfers will be done until we talk,” Mr. Yaluma disclosed.

Mr. Yaluma added, “I have told them to undo whatever transfers they did and tomorrow (today), we will meet them and talk the way forward.”

Meanwhile, Mr Chewe told the Daily Nation in an interview that MUZ was happy that Government had stopped KCM to transfer its workers to JHX and Contractors.

“As a union, we sincerely thank the government for supporting the stance that the union has taken. It is good that the government has taken a bold decision to ensure that the workers are protected.