Chambishi Smelter fires 12 workers

By ALEX NJOVU  
TWELVE miners have been dismissed at Chambishi Copper Smelter in Kalulushi.
National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) general secretary Goodwell Kaluba said in an interview yesterday in Kitwe some miners were fired for allegedly stealing company property, while others had their contracts terminated.
“I can confirm that 12 workers have been fired at Chambishi Copper Smelter. Some workers were dismissed for stealing company property, others for staying away from work, the others had their contracts terminated.
“As a union, we are suspecting that the six whose contracts were terminated without any reason is due to the protest that took place at the company last month,” he said.
Mr Kaluba said the union will engage management on the development, and appealed to the affected workers to remain calm.
“We also want to appeal to our members to desist from stealing company property. It is unfortunate that two of them have lost their jobs for stealing company property. As a union, we are going to talk to management over what has happened,” he said.
Mr Kaluba urged miners to follow procedure when airing their grievances and desist from engaging in activities that are detrimental to national development.