ZCTU against illegal strikes

April 30, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

By ALEX NJOVU
ZAMBIA Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Kitwe district chairman David Mwamba says the labour movement does not support illegal work stoppages and called on workers to desist from engaging in wildcat strikes.
Mr Mwamba said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that illegal strikes must be avoided at all costs, as they are detrimental to the development of the country.
He urged workers to follow laid down procedures to air their grievances.
“As a mother body of unions, we were saddened to see a lot of workers staging illegal strikes as soon as the Patriotic Front (PF) government came into power. We must all do our part to ensure that we increase productivity in all sectors, to enhance economic development,” he said.
Mr Mwamba said the ZCTU will continue to discourage illegal work stoppages but urged employers to ensure that they pay their workers handsomely, if they are able to.
Mr Mwamba said employers have an important part to play in curbing unnecessary work stoppages.
“Sometimes, workers are forced to down tools when key stakeholders refuse to compromise, to improve the welfare of employees.We believe that employers and employees must always enjoy cordial relations,” Mr Mwamba said.
He said the purpose of maintaining unions at work places is to foster industrial harmony and enhance productivity.
Mr Mwamba said the ZCTU will never support civil servants who agitate for illegal activities that slow down economic development.