Weak labour laws reinforcing oppression at KCM – SP
By Staff Reporter
Chingola socialist party coordinator Joseph Kangwa says the protests by KCM underground miners over three months unpaid salaries shows the ineffectiveness of the labour law enforcement bodies.
In a statement to newsdayzambia.com on Thursday, Kangwa said it was deeply sad to note that foreign investors had become very powerful while the agents of government were watching.
“How does Government allow the so-called foreign investors to be using the indigenous Zambians for three months without getting their wages from big companies like KCM? Even there, these wages are not even enough to make ends meet for the working class,” said Kangwa.
“Where are the rules and regulations that we have been told were laid down by government not so long ago for these factory-owners such as; a) Minimum wages for the workers, b) Working hours, c) safety measures in working conditions, d) No dismissal of workers at random and so on?”.
He questioned the effectiveness of trade unions.
“As far as I know, labour laws are meant to safeguard the rights of the workers and Trade Unions are there to negotiate with these company owners and demand the enforcement of government labour laws and secure other rights and benefits for the workers. They must offer security and protection for their members,” he said
Kangwa reminded President Edgar Lungu of his responsibility to protect the Zambian working class and the citizenry in general.
