Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has allegedly fired nine mineworkers union leaders from Chililabombwe, Chingola and Kitwe branches citing unprofessional conduct.
And Chililabombwe United Party for National Development (UPND) District Chairperson Timothy Musonda says the decision to terminate the jobs for the union leaders is an act of victimization as they supported the ruling party during the August 12 general elections.
The alleged affected union leaders include branch chairpersons for the three mine workers unions namely Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) and United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) in the three districts.
Mr Musonda expressed displeasure about the firing of the union leaders as it has potential to result in mass strike action among the mine workers which would negatively affect production in the mining sector.
He said the affected unionists have not been served with work termination letters yet which were red to them hence appealing for the intervention from the government to ensure harmony prevails at KCM.
When contacted KCM Corporate Affairs Manager Shapi Shachinda referred the matter to the national union leaders whom he said had already issued a statement regarding the incident.
When contacted, MUZ National Chairperson Joseph Chewe expressed ignorance on the matter.
Good move. These were not proper union officials but mere stooges for corrupt PF members.
What has happened to that thieving stinker liquidator called Milingonyoko? We should hang that ugly SoB
It’s not normal to be read a letter of termination…. disciplinary process in KCM doesn’t work like that. After one has been charged they are given opportunity at first case hearing, depending on the outcome, one can appeal. If the appeal fails you are terminate and advised to see HR who will give you the letter of termination containing the condition of your employment contract. They don’t read you the letter of intention to fire you just like that. It’s a lie.
Now Unions have been reduced to mere extensions political Parties. If this were an industrial & labour relations matter, why has the UPND official issued a statement on it? And if indeed they’ve been fired because they supported the UNPD then that’s good riddance because they were elected to represent workers and not to champion the UNPD cause. How do you sympathize with such kind of people? National Union leaders are busy seeking contracts in the same mines so you can’t expect them to say anything. Joseph Chewe is just a contractor and not a Union leader.