Government has appealed to labour leaders to desist from misleading workers in the country that government is insensitive to their plight.
Northern Province minister Charles Shawa says it is unfair for union officials to use public events such as the Labour Day to issue unwarranted attacks on the government.
Mr. Shawa was during the Labour Day celebrations held in Mbala yesterday.
The celebrations were held under the theme “economic recovery through respect for workers’ rights, good governance and job security.”
Mr. Shawa said contrary to claims by the labour movement, the government was determined to improve the welfare of the workers.
He was reacting to Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) representative James Zulu who accused government of paying lip-service to the suffering of workers in the country.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Zulu also complained that that due to weak labour laws, foreign investors especially in the mining sector have continued to abuse workers’ rights without government intervening in the matter.
But Mr. Shawa advised Mr. Zulu to be honest and truthful in his statement in order to avoid creating unnecessary tension between government and workers.
The minister also urged the labour movement to foster cordial relations with employers in order to sustain peace and unity in the country.
The minister however, commended union officials in the province for successfully hosting Labour celebrations.
ENDS/WS/AM/ZANIS
Charles, Charles, yes your employer is not insensitive to you as he pays you way beyond what other Zambians earn. Mwapya, tamwaitambe mu 2011.
The union representative was right, for instance how can government allow the chinese to pay artisans at the new Chambeshi copper smelter K600 000 per month?