Take workers' demands seriously, Shamenda
Take workers' demands seriously, ShamendaBy Fridah Nkonde in Ndola
Sun 08 Jan. 2012, 13:59 CAT
MINISTER of Labour, Youth and Sports Fackson Shamenda has asked employers in all sectors of the economy to take the demands of workers seriously, whether they are represented or not.
During a press briefing at Cabinet Office in Ndola yesterday, Shamenda said with the change of government, people were expectant and that most of them were striking because they felt the new government could help them sort out the problems that they had been going through in the previous government which was corrupt.
"All employers should make sure that they treat their workers well. Employers should go an extra mile in improving the wellbeing of employees if they want higher productivity and discipline from them," he said.
Shamenda said those doing the right thing would always receive backing from the government and that employers should aim at taking care of the employees and satisfy them if they wanted higher productivity.
Workers across many sectors of the economy have been striking, pressing their employers for improved conditions of service. This has been necessitated by the PF's promise during campaigns in the run-up to the September 20 general elections that they would improve working conditions for many workers once voted into office.
When asked about the minimum wage and why the ministry has taken some time to come up with a final decision, Shamenda said there were no complications with the issue of minimum wage and that they were not delaying in any way because there was a procedure to follow.
"We are not delaying in anyway. It's just that there is a procedure that we need to follow. We want to do it legally and not do something that would backfire. We are consulting widely. The other problem is that people misunderstand the issue of the minimum wage. What they need to understand is that this minimum wage is for the vulnerable, those working in shops, servants and garden boys," Shamenda said.
He said the government did not want to regret anything after coming up with the minimum wage, adding that other ministries also needed to be consulted.
Shamenda said the ministry was assessing the economy to make sure that the minimum wage was fair to all parties involved.
The PF government, upon ascending to power, promised to review the current minimum wage of about K400,000.
Labels: FACKSON SHAMENDA, LABOUR
posted by MrK @ 7:55 PM
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