(LUSAKATIMES) President Sata moves Labour portfolio to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with immediate effect

President Sata moves Labour portfolio to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with immediate effect
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, February 3, 2012, 8:33 pm

President of Zambia Michael Sata has with immediate effect re-aligned three Government ministries. President Sata has directed the acting Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Evans Chibiliti to proceed with all the necessary procedures and immediately imeplement the changes.

“I would like to direct that the portfolio of Tourism be transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Labour portifolio be transferred from Youth and Sport to Ministry of Information, it shall be known as Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Labour,” reads the President’s letter to Mr Chibiliti in part.

And the Head of State says the re-allignment has been done to curb statements that alarm the nation and investors alike.

“As a Government, we have to be level-headed and not be seen to be inciting the public. I expect ministers to discourage strikes and lock-outs. Strikes or industrial unrests have a very negative effect on a fragile economy like ours. The same applies to lock-outs,” President Sata said.

“If we are not careful, some of these alarming statements will even destroy the little we have or the little strides we have made economically so far. We know that there are numerous short-comings in almost all sectors but we will not address these shortcomings through threats and being loud-mouthed.”

President Sata said that Zambians expect the Government to handle the problems facing the country with sobriety.

“Policy consistency is a compelling need for all Governments all over the world. As my very final warning, I ask all the ministers not to lead me into temptation.”

“I am alive to the fact that most of my colleagues that have been appointed as Ministers have no experience in these portifolios. Therefore, I strongly feel its my duty to protect the image of the party, the Government, the people of Zambia and the economy in general,” the President said.

“In my statement of 30th January, 2012, I enjoined and cautioned ministers not to make statements that did not reflect Government policy or which had not been referred to and cleared by Cabinet. Statements on the economy made by ministers that are not the competent channels for the issues they raise are damaging to our credibility as a country.

“Policy consistency is a compelling need for all Governments all over the world. As my very final warning, I ask all the ministers not to lead me into temptation.”

Earlier today, Minister of Labour, Sports, Youth and Gender Chishimba Kambwili reiterated that the law will visit all those companies that are violating labour laws.

Speaking when he featured on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio 2 programme dubbed Workers Voice, the Minister said he was disappointed with the way some employers were treating their workers.

Mr. Kambwili said his Ministry will work hand in with Trade Unions to ensure that all workers are paid according to the work they do.

He emphasized that all employers who are not giving their workers good working conditions should revise them so as to motivate workers before law takes its course.

Mr. Kambwili who has come under fire from some section of society over his stance to caution investors violating worker right said he will not stop until he see the right thing done.

He said his government welcomes investors but wants them to respect labour laws, pay workers good salaries so that there is a win- win situation between workers and companies.

The Minister who also received reports during the programme of companies like Shoprite, Game Stores and Zam Beef paying little money (K300, 000 per month) said he will soon visit the companies to confirm the reports.

He said he cannot allow companies to continue abusing their workers by paying little monies which he said cannot even sustain them.

Mr. Kambwili stated that he will also not segregate in his tour of companies whether Chinese, Zambian or other companies by other nationalities adding that he wants the best for the Zambian workers.

He also disclosed that he will visit Shoprite on issues of casualisation adding that workers have complained of working for longer than six years without employed on a permanent basis.

“If the previous government was treating you with kids’ gloves, not with this government. I have on occasions visited Shoprite and randomly spoke to workers who have told me that they are contracts on for a year” said Mr.Kambwili.

“If the previous government was treating you with kids’ gloves, not with this government. I have on occasions visited Shoprite and randomly spoke to workers who have told me that they are on contracts for a year” said Mr.Kambwili.

He stated that the Patriotic Front (PF) government has started addressing the issue of pensioners and all the pensioners are going to be paid in time.
Mr. Kambwili has appealed to the Zambians to support the government in its quest to improve the welfare of employees and to go on zero tolerance of abuse of employees.

And speaking on the same programme Federation for Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) President Joyce Nonde Simukoko has said she is looking forward to the review of Labour laws in the country so that the Labour Unions and government can work properly.

Mrs. Simukoko said the Federation will support the Minister in his quest to bring sanity in the work place adding that her organization does not condone employers abusing their workers.

She stated that it is for the best interest of all workers that companies that violet workers right are closed adding that workers wants to see the government address the issue of labour .

She urged government to make ensure that workers are allowed to join Trade Unions by their employers so as to maintain the flow of information.

ZANIS