Zambia today joined the rest of
the world in commemorating the International Labour Day.
 |
| Republican President Michael Sata |
In Lusaka, Republican President
Michael Sata who arrived at the freedom statute at 10: 20 hours local time graced the
event.
In his address, President Sata
disclosed that officers working for a named defence wing were allegedly offered
poor conditions of service to its employees compared to other defence forces.
M. Sata said there is need to
harmonise the disparities among the defence forces so as to motive them.
He further said he is not
impressed with the salary structures for workers at the National Assembly and
he requested the Speaker to consider tabling the matter in parliament.
He added that workers who opt to
go on work stoppages should utilise the normal established channels of
bargaining as it was retrogressive to the nation and the practice should be
avoided at all costs.
The Head of State also presented
awards to some of the deserving workers and reiterated government’s commitment
to addressing the plight of workers in the country such as reviewing the
statutory instrument on labour laws, ending casualization and child labour.
Mr Sata advised employers in the
country to adhere to labour laws but emphasised the need Union Labour leaders
to approach management in resolving impasse at work places.
Mr Sata regretted that HIV/AIDS
was robbing the nation out of productive people whose inputs were invaluable.
Speaking earlier, Information,
Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda disclosed that he will soon
be announcing the minimum wage for the public service workers in the country.
Mr Shamenda said government is
aware of the ‘long sufferings’ that retirees go through but was quick to assure
that his ministry is working round the clock to address the problem.
Mr Shamenda, who is also Chief
Government Spokesperson, ticked off opposition United Party for National
Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema for his continued attacks on the
government of the day.
He said the opposition leader is
frustrated and ‘off side’ and does not know how government operates.
Mr Hichilema is quoted in one the
tabloids published today that Zambians should brace themselves for more
intimidation and sufferings.
Zambia Congress of Trade Union
President Leonard Hikaumba demanded for a full-scale transformation of the
national economy that puts the interests of the people first and guarantees the
respect for human rights.
Mr Hikaumba urged the PF
government to seriously address social injustices of high poverty levels,
inequality, discrimination and exploitation in working places.
He lamented that despite Zambia
ratifying the major international labour Organisation conventions on promoting
and protection of fundamental rights, a lot of Zambian workers have not
benefited as provided for in the Conventions.
He warned that his organisation
would evaluate the PF government next year to account for its six months after
settling down in power from the latter, MMD government.
This year’s labour day is being
commemorated under the theme“ Enhancing workers’ rights for sustainable
national development”.
No comments:
Post a Comment