FFTUZ CONDEMNS BEATING OF ZAMBIAN WORKERS AT COLLUM COAL MINE

FFTUZ President Joyce Nonde Simukoko

The Federation for Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) has condemned the beating of Zambian workers by Chinese nationals at the Chinese Collum Coal mine in Sinazongwe District in Southern Province.

FFTUZ President Joyce Simukoko said treating workers well was important for any company which wanted to improve its production levels.

Mrs. Simukoko said that what transpired in Sinazongwe justified the call for foreign investors coming into the country to always observe Zambian labour laws and respect for workers rights.

“Workers are an imperative tool for these companies to record production, so why should they violate their rights when they are working for them,” Mrs. Simukoko said.

She said it was for this reason that government should come up with stringent measures to compel investors to always adhere to labour laws that govern workers in the country.

Mrs. Simukoko said although foreign investors were creating job opportunities for the local people, there was need for them to abide by the laws of the country and respect for human rights.

She further advised government to also address the issue of language barrier between investors and local workers.

She charged that language barrier between Chinese management in some Chinese companies and their Zambia workers have been the source of most labour disputes in these institutions.

“Most of these conflicts in Chinese companies are caused by the language barrier that exists between the management and the staff. Government should quickly move in and arrest the situation,” She said.

Mrs. Simukoko further added that there was also need for foreign investors coming to invest in the country to learn and use the official language as a way of avoiding such conflicts and misunderstandings.

Chief Sinazongwe has also condemned the Chinese investors at the mine saying they had no right to mistreat Zambian workers and assaulting them.

And when contacted for a comment, Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) officials said they were still studying and investigating the matter and would soon issue a comprehensive statement.

Last week four Chinese nationals at shaft three beat up two miners Kilian Chilindile aged 30 and Chipo Muleya 28, with sticks and spears for allegedly failing to meet the 15 tonnes production target.

One of the victims Chipo was admitted to Maamba hospital after being assaulted and the four Chinese nationals were detained at Sinazeze police post where they accepted the offence and paid K2 million each to the two victims.

ZANIS