Maravi

LCM workers vow to continue reporting for work

LCM workers vow to continue reporting for work
Written by Zumani Katasefa in Kitwe
Friday, December 26, 2008 12:04:14 PM

LUANSHYA Copper Mine (LCM) workers on the verge of being declared redundant have vowed to continue reporting for work until they are paid all their accrued terminal benefits.

Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) Roan branch chairman Boniface Kabwe yesterday said that the decision was arrived at after a meeting union officials had with LCM management on Wednesday.

“We are going to continue reporting for work until the last shift and until we are paid our accrued terminal benefits. The idea is also for security measure, we cannot leave the equipments unattended to. We want every one to be accountable to his section,” he said.

He said the workers had also demanded to know the detailed departure of the Chief Executive Officer Derrick Webbstock and other senior managers from LCM.

Kabwe said today, LCM chief operations manager James Bethel would address the workers regarding the payment of their terminal benefits.

He also said that police in riot gear were still guarding the company premises.

“It is a good thing. They thought we were going to riot, but so far everything is okay. This is our mine, we are used to investors leaving this mine every five years. There is nothing we can do This is our mine,” he said.

Last week LCM was shut down, throwing over 1,500 workers out of employment. The mining firm has since been placed under care and maintenance.

During a recent meeting with President Rupiah Banda, LCM management made it clear that it did not have money to pay terminal benefits.

But sources at the mine indicated that there had been a quick movement of funds from LCM in the last two months.

Labels: JOBLOSSES, LCM, MUZ, STRIKE

posted by MrK @ 12:04 PM