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Liato is a betrayal to the labour movement - Kambwili

Liato is a betrayal to the labour movement - Kambwili
By Ndinawe Simpelwe and Bright Mukwasa
Sat 22 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT

AUSTIN Liato is a serious betrayal to the labour movement in Zambia, according to Roan parliamentarian Chishimba Kambwili. Kambwili on Thursday asked labour minister Liato to resign on grounds that he had failed to fight for a better life for the miners in the country.

Kambwili had earlier gone to Liato's office, following the latter's remarks that the former incited workers at Luanshya mine to reject a 10 per cent salary increment offered to them, but he did not find him.

Kambwili was annoyed because Liato allegedly called for his arrest for inciting industrial unrest.
Kambwili then phoned Liato and told him that he understood the problems the miners in Luanshya faced.

The duo argued for some time and Liato cut the line.

Later in an interview, Kambwili said the mines were making a lot of money and could pay the workers decent wages.

"I stay with the miners in Luanshya and I know what kind of suffering they go through. It is not fair for Liato to tell the miners to accept a 10 per cent salary increment," Kambwili said.

"Copper prices have reached a record high on the global market. It's about time that the people who dig out this copper started benefiting for their hard work.

When will they ever pay the miners if not now at high copper prices."

He wondered why Liato forced the miners to accept the increment and yet they were suffering and could not afford to send their children to school.

"He can't say that I will be held responsible for for whatever happens in Luanshya. The situation is sad because sometimes I have to intervene to help miners send their children to school," Kambwili said.

Kambwili said Liato was a former labour leader who should understand the importance of the workers' welfare.

On Wednesday, Liato was quoted on Radio Phoenix as having accused Kambwili of causing industrial unrest. Liato also ordered the police to hold Kambwili accountable for whatever would happen at the mine.

Labels: AUSTIN LIATO, CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI, LABOUR, MINERS

posted by MrK @ 4:02 AM