By ALEX NJOVUKONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has awarded its unionised employees a 7.5 percent salary increase across the board.
Speaking during the signing of the collective agreement in Kitwe on Thursday, Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) general secretary Joseph Chewe described the 7.5 percent increment as a mockery.
Speaking during the signing of the collective agreement in Kitwe on Thursday, Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) general secretary Joseph Chewe described the 7.5 percent increment as a mockery.
Mr Chewe said the unions are not happy with the increment and hoped that they will be able to clinch a better package next year.
“This is a mediocre package and we are not happy as unions. There was no unity amongst ourselves as unions, we had some union officials who were pushing their own agendas,” Mr Chewe said.
Other unions representing workers in the mining sector include United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW).
Mr Chewe said there is need for the unions to work together if they are to clinch a better deal for their members.
Mr Chewe urged miners to work towards increasing production at the mining firm.
He said that the unions are prepared to go to court if the mining company will give their members a similar package next year.
“We would like to warn KCM management that next year, we will go to court if we will get what we have been given. Management must tell us if our members are not doing enough to increase production so that we can tell them to do more because we are all interested in increased production. The whole process of negotiations was long, tough and frustrating,” he said.
And UMUZ president Steven Mulenga urged miners to work hard and contribute to the development of the mining sector.
Mr Mulenga said miners have a special role to play in increasing production at KCM.
And KCM vice president in charge of human capital management David Kaunda said the company will continue playing a significant role in the development of the country.
Mr Kaunda said the unions should work in harmony with KCM management to enhance production at the mining firm.
Meanwhile, KCM public relations manager Joy Sata said the suspension of production at COP F&D has not affected operations of Nchanga Division.
KCM has not renewed the contract awarded to U&M Mining Services of Brazil which has been undertaking mining activities at Nchanga Open pit mine in Chingola.
“This is a mediocre package and we are not happy as unions. There was no unity amongst ourselves as unions, we had some union officials who were pushing their own agendas,” Mr Chewe said.
Other unions representing workers in the mining sector include United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW).
Mr Chewe said there is need for the unions to work together if they are to clinch a better deal for their members.
Mr Chewe urged miners to work towards increasing production at the mining firm.
He said that the unions are prepared to go to court if the mining company will give their members a similar package next year.
“We would like to warn KCM management that next year, we will go to court if we will get what we have been given. Management must tell us if our members are not doing enough to increase production so that we can tell them to do more because we are all interested in increased production. The whole process of negotiations was long, tough and frustrating,” he said.
And UMUZ president Steven Mulenga urged miners to work hard and contribute to the development of the mining sector.
Mr Mulenga said miners have a special role to play in increasing production at KCM.
And KCM vice president in charge of human capital management David Kaunda said the company will continue playing a significant role in the development of the country.
Mr Kaunda said the unions should work in harmony with KCM management to enhance production at the mining firm.
Meanwhile, KCM public relations manager Joy Sata said the suspension of production at COP F&D has not affected operations of Nchanga Division.
KCM has not renewed the contract awarded to U&M Mining Services of Brazil which has been undertaking mining activities at Nchanga Open pit mine in Chingola.
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