Simuusa asks KCM to stop firing workers over protests

Simuusa asks KCM to stop firing workers over protests
By Zumani Katasefa
Mon 23 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT

NCHANGA member of parliament Wylbur Simuusa has asked Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) management to stop firing workers who protested recently, demanding for better salaries.

In an interview on Saturday, Simuusa said he was disappointed with the decision taken by the mining firm to fire workers. Simuusa said instead of firing workers, KCM should instead create an enabling environment for salary negotiations to start with the union.

“I am requesting management to reinstate workers, how do you negotiate when you have a standoff? How do you negotiate when you are fighting?” Simuusa said.

“When health workers went on strike, government wanted to fire workers, but after a public outcry, government backed down, so who is KCM not to back down? They should back down and maybe later after the negotiations start sorting out those they think were unwanted elements.”

Simuusa said miners should not be blamed for demanding better salaries.
He said KCM was to blame for the delayed negotiations.

Simuusa said negotiations between KCM and the union should have started six months ago.

“I am disappointed with the firing of workers as member of parliament for Nchanga,” he said.

“When the price of copper went down, KCM retrenched workers. Some of the workers who were retrenched have not been reinstated, meaning that the number of miners working is low, so KCM can afford to give a salary increment to the remaining workers.”

Simuusa also condemned the statement President Rupiah Banda made in Solwezi recently that miners who were involved in the riot in Chingola would be hunted down.

“I was not happy with the statement that President Banda made. This has made the police to be excited and have rounded up a number of miners,” he said.

He said so far, about 14 miners had been picked up and had since appeared in court over the KCM riot.

Simuusa advised President Banda to give fatherly advice when it came to solving problems of such nature.

He also advised Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) officials to play a very serious role and ensure that negotiations for improved salaries commenced.

“KCM should not play hide and seek games. I am appealing to union officials to ensure that the negotiations start. The union has a role to play in this matter,” said Simuusa.