The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) has observed that the withdrawal of members from some trade unions in Zambia would have a negative impact on the bargaining power of unions.
FFTUZ President Joyce Nonde-Simukoko said trade unions play an important role in protecting the interests and improving conditions of service of workers in the country.
Mrs. Simukoko said there was therefore need for workers and unions to establish good working relations for the benefitof the two parties.
She has expressed profound concern at the withdrawal of more than 1,000 teachers from various unions on the Copperbelt province.
She told ZANIS in Lusaka today that there was need for union leaders to quickly meet with the aggrieved parties and address their differences.
Mrs. Simukoko explained that despite the fact that belonging to a union was voluntary, it was important for people to have a strong representation of their interests through unions.
She noted that the move taken by teachers on the Copperbelt province was likely to bring about instability in the manner the unions were handling the different affairs of their members.
Mrs. Simukoko also urged the unions to find a lasting solution to the matter, adding that if the current situation was not corrected, employers would find it difficult to respect the decisions made by unions to represent the interest of workers.
She further noted that this was why the union leadership should meet with teachers and ensure that the problem was resolved immediately and amicably.
Mrs. Simukoko was commenting on the decision by over 1,000 teachers to withdraw their membership from various trade unions citing incompetence on the part of the leadership and failure to represent their interests.
And 23 teachers have also been suspended from different trade unions for allegedly inciting their colleagues to turn against their leaders.
ZANIS
Joyce what bargaining powers are you on about? Waste of money in my book.
THAT IS WHAT CORRUPTION CAN DO. WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE WHEN PEOPLE FIND OUT THAT YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTING THEM BUT YOUR NEEDS? LEADERS WERE REPRESENTING THEIR POCKETS LEAVING OUT THE MASSES IN POVERTY. THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
What else can they do? You selfish and corrupt union leaders have disappointed the teachers. Even me I can witdraw my membership.