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MUZ, NUMAW accuse govt of backing splinter mine workers union

MUZ, NUMAW accuse govt of backing splinter mine workers union
By Darious Kapembwa and Mwila Chansa in Kitwe
Sun 12 Sep. 2010, 03:59 CAT

MINE Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) have disclosed that a splinter union has been formed in North Western Province with government backing.

During a joint press briefing organized by MUZ and NUMAW at Katilungu House in Kitwe on Friday, a government minister is reportedly chairing meetings for the new union.

According to MUZ president Rayford Mbulu, the new union named Consolidated Miners and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CMAWUZ) had written to President Banda assuring him of their support during the 2011 tripartite elections if the government assisted it with K2.9 billion for operational purposes.

Mbulu said MUZ was not a ‘sweetheart’ union and would continue fighting for the needs of miners and workers at large.

He urged fellow miners to reject people that were trying to sow seeds of
discontent in the mining industry, adding that there was no way a genuine union would form an alliance with the government upon formation.

Mbulu said the two main mining unions – MUZ and NUMAW – had successfully fought against outsourcing at Konkola Copper Mines and that there was need for practical solidarity amongst the labour movement in the country.
NUMAW president Mundia Sikufele said the new union has had three meetings with a senior minister in government where a lot of money had been promised to them.

And according to a confidential budget proposal dated April 26, 2010 and
addressed to President Banda, CMAWUZ interim president Thomas Mpashi expressed delight being accorded an opportunity to meet with the President despite his busy schedule.

“Sir, we are a new union to be registered in the mining and allied industries. Our objective, among others, is to work with your government in fostering national development unlike other unions who fail to address issues and only condemn the government of the day,” the letter read in part.

“Your Excellency, we are a union to stand in the gap to supplement your noble services to the community. We see the existing unions having assets but nothing benefits the community. Sir, if resources permit, we intend to construct schools, clinics and even colleges to benefit the general membership and the community as you may be aware there is no union in Zambia which has initiated such projects yet they have the resources and the power to even borrow.”

Labels: MUZ, NUMAW, RAYFORD MBULU, TRADE UNIONS

posted by MrK @ 2:38 AM