Promote dialogue, not strike action - Minister
THE Ministry of Labour and Social Security has observed the need for the conclusion of collective bargaining between government and unions without recourse to strike action.
Labour and Social Security Minister, Brenda Tambatamba says this is so because strike action can be destructive and that it is easier to destroy than to build.
She has assured the labour movement that the UPND government remains fully committed to the protection of the integrity of the collective bargaining system and it intends to improve it even further.
Ms Tambatamba said during the ZCTU executive meeting held in Livingstone, on Thursday, that it is always crucial for the trade union movement to play the role of protecting and promoting the interest of workers and also take an active part in determining and implementing government policies.
“To do this effectively, it is fundamental that the trade union movement jealously guards its independence.
The challenge is to use your political power to strengthen institutions of governance and to promote your interest and that of your members,” she said.
She noted that while circumstances might have changed with the coming of the new dawn government, the task of mobilising the people to become masters of their own destiny remains.
The Minister said that this is a task that falls squarely on the shoulders of the political leadership, trade union leaders as well as other mass movement organisations.
“My government will, therefore, welcome proposals from workers on how they can drive the development process in the work-place and within communities,” she said.
And the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (UPND) has appealed to the UPND Government to sustain social dialogue at the national level by ensuring the role of social partners are clearly spelt out so that they are able to hold each other accountable.
ZCTU president Nkole Chishimba has observed that in terms of social dialogue, a lot of progress was made during the previous regime but a lot more needs to be achieved. “As we settle down to contribute to national development, we demand that we need strong independent workers and employer organisations with necessary technical capacity and access to relevant information to participate in social dialogue,” he said
“We are also appealing to the new government to quickly initiate action towards cleaning the industrial and labour relations Act so that the rights of workers can be restored because it is good for workers, productivity and generally it is good for the national development,” he said.