Saturday, March 08, 2008

(LUSAKA TIMES) No one was fired at Chambishi Mine

No one was fired at Chambishi Mine
Posted on March 7th, 2008

Management at Chambishi Copper Smelter says it has not dismissed the striking workers. Company Secretary, Sun Chuanqi said the workers were merely being asked to explain why they took part in the riotous act. Mr. Sun said this in a statement to ZNBC News. He said it was not the company’s intention to dismiss the workers.

Mr. Sun said his company wants to establish why the workers decided to stay away from work for two days despite management and the union having agreed to continue with negotiations. He stressed that none of the employees have been fired. The workers have been given three days to exculpate themselves. Workers have since been asked to report back for work. Earlier reports had indicated that over 500 workers who went on strike and participated in the riot that caused damage to company property had been fired.

Meanwhile, three of the eight Chambeshi Copper Smelter workers have been charged with malicious damage to property while five union officials have been released. Both Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer, Antonell Mutentwa and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) President, Mundia Sikufele confirmed the development to ZNBC News.

Mr. Mutentwa said that the union officials have been released unconditionally while the three mineers have been charged with malicious damage to property.

Police Wednesday, detained eight mine workers among them union officials following the riotous behaviour by workers which resulted into damage to company property.

In another development, Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) has awarded its employees an 18 per cent percent salary increment across the board.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the new collective Agreement LCM Chief Executive Officer, Derek Webbstock said the increament will harmonize the working environment.

And Mine Workers Union of Zambia President, Rayford Mbulu assured the mining company of its continued support.

He said MUZ will work closely with LCM to enhance growth of the mining company.

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