THE Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) have taken the labour dispute with First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQML), the owners of Kansanshi mines in Solwezi, for adjudication in the Industrial Relations Court.
During a joint press briefing at Katilungu House in Kitwe yesterday, the two unions cautioned workers against going on an illegal strike while the case is in court.
MUZ acting president Charles Mukuka commended various interest groups, including Government for their commitment to ensuring that the impasse between workers and FQML management is resolved amicably.
“We hereby take this opportunity to inform our members and the nation, that in terms of the provisions of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act on the settlement of collective disputes, the parties to the dispute took the inevitable action.
The matter is now proceeding to the Industrial Relations Court for adjudication,” Mr Mukuka said.
He however said the mediation process still leaves the parties to the dispute divided.
“We would like to appeal for calm and commitment to duty, now that the process has entered unchartered territory, in terms of our history in industrial relations.
“We regret to report to our members at Kansanshi mine and FQML that the mediation process conducted by the appointed mediator Mr Maxwell Sichula in Ndola on Tuesday and Thursday failed to resolve the impasse on the tenure of the 2012 collective agreement,” Mr Mukuka said.
He said miners at Kansanshi mine have rejected the 15 percent salary hike management has offered them.
“MUZ and NUMAW reached the disagreement on the 2012 collective agreement, particularly on one item which is the tenure of the collective agreement.
“Management of both Kansanshi and FQML proposed a two-year period to cover for the items agreed upon with them. This is against the one-year arrangement. Management decided to declare a dispute on this item,” Mr Mukuka said.
He appealed to President Sata to intervene in the matter.
“Kansanshi and FQML are key drivers in the mining industry. This unfortunate development should not be allowed to derail the growth and expansion of the mining sector,” Mr Mukuka said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Very mature and progressive way of handling a dispute of such caliber. I hope all parties come out happy…
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