Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) With copper price at all time high, workers demand 50 percent pay rise

With copper price at all time high, workers demand 50% pay rise
Thursday, March 24, 2011, 16:20

Unionized workers at Chambishi Copper Smelter downed tools and held a peaceful demonstration today demanding better conditions of service.

National Union of Miners and Allied Workers-NUMAW Chambishi Copper Smelter Branch Chairman Reuben Kalale told ZNBC News in an interview that the workers are not happy with the 12% salary increment which the management has offered them. Mr. Kalale has that the miners want at least a 50% salary increment.

Some of the striking workers told ZNBC News that they expect to get better pay because copper prices on the international market have gone up.

The management announced the 12% increment on Wednesday after concluding negotiations with NUMAW.

But this morning the annoyed workers gathered outside the mine premises and demanded to be addressed by management.

Chambishi Copper Smelter Public Relations Manager Everisto Mutale said the management team is meeting union leaders to try and resolve the matter.

Mr. Mutale said that management would issue a statement on the outcome of the meeting later.

ZNBC

Labels: LABOUR, MINIMUM WAGE, TRADE UNIONS

posted by MrK @ 6:27 PM