Maamba Collieries denies owing ex-workers
The coal mining firm has told the court that the 52 ex workers’ pension was determined in its favour by the Supreme Court in the matter between Kennedy Kayombo Kapalu and 340 others vs Maamba Collieries appeal.
MAAMBA Collieries Limited says it does not owe the 52 former workers pension money amounting to over K6 million.
The coal mining firm has told the court that the 52 ex workers’ pension was determined in its favour by the Supreme Court in the matter between Kennedy Kayombo Kapalu and 340 others vs Maamba Collieries appeal.
In the High court, it was a case in Pharoah Miyoba and others vs Maamba Collieries under cause 2007/HL/45.
Mr James Chinene suing on behalf of 51 others who were retrenched in 1998, wants the Lusaka High Court to order Maamba Collieries Limited to pay K6,182,620.69 being total pension dues.
They are also claiming damages and interest on the monies.
The 52 stated that they were retrenched in 1998 and at the time, they were below the age of 55 years, therefore not qualified to receive their pension contributions. They said that upon immediate employment, they joined the Zambia State Insurance Company (ZSIC) Pension Scheme which was a compulsory requirement for all employees.
Mr Chinene said that an inquiry with ZSIC Pension Scheme showed that their money was paid to Maamba Collieries Limited.
The plaintiffs said they had not received any response or explanation from the company over the matter despite reminders.
The 52 allege that Maamba Collieries Limited has refused or neglected to pay them their dues.
In defence Maamba Collieries said the insurance scheme was a voluntary occupational pension scheme and that the former workers were at liberty to collect their pension contributions immediately after retrenchment.
It also stated that only employees who elected to join the pension had deductions in respect of pension contribution.
Maamba Collieries argued that the matter could not be brought to court because too much time has passed (statue bar).