Forced leave illegal – union

ZAMBIA’S largest mining union said at the weekend that it would challenge a decision by China’s CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines to send more than 1 600 workers on forced leave, saying it was illegal. CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines said last week that it would suspend operations and cut jobs at its Baluba mine due to plunging copper prices and power shortages. Mine Workers Union of Zambia president Nkole Chishimba said the union had written to the company’s management demanding that it reinstate all the employees. It said the move was made without consultation with labour unions. “When there is a situation of that nature the company is supposed to communicate with the union,” he said. – Reuters