…for the benefit of African countries instead of giving ownership of mines to conglomerates outside the Continent
By ROGERS KALERO
AFRICAN Trade Unions should drive the agenda of becoming main players in the mining industry by owning mines for the benefit of the African continent as opposed to leaving the ownership of mines to foreigners,’ Mine workers Union of Zambia MUZ) president Joseph Chewe has said
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Mr Chewe said the ownership of mining companies cannot be left to foreigners alone, hence the need for African Trade Unions to drive the agenda of becoming main players by owning their mines and companies for the benefit of the African continent
The MUZ Chief was speaking when he addressed the delegates to the 13th Quadrennial delegates’ conference of the Ghana Mine workers’ Union in Obuasi Ghana where he announced the upcoming inaugural launch of the Federation of African Trade Unions (FATU) in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled to take place in the first week of March 2024
Mr. Chewe who is also Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) First Deputy President, said that the Federation will serve as a platform for trade unions to collectively address common challenges faced by the labour movement across Africa, advocate for improved working conditions, and promote social and economic justice.
“MUZ recognises the importance of unity among workers and the need for collective action to address the sprouting dynamics of the labour market. The launch of FATU, signifies a new era of collaboration and cooperation among African trade unions as it will provide an opportunity for unions to share best practices and work towards mobilising resources for investments within the member states as a way of contributing to the economic growth Africa and enhance job creation.
“The ownership of companies cannot be left to foreigners alone, hence the need for African Trade Unions to drive the agenda of becoming main players by owning their mines and companies for the benefit of the African continent,” Mr Chewe said
Mr Chewe also said the launch of FATU in Cairo will also serve as a testament to the commitment of African trade unions to champion the rights and welfare of workers across the continent.
“MUZ is excited to be part of this historic event and looks forward to actively participating in the activities and initiatives of FATU adding that as a leading trade union representing the interests of miners in Zambia, we believe that FATU will play a pivotal role in advancing the rights and well-being of workers in the mining sector and beyond.” He said
Mr. Chewe has since urged all trade unions and stakeholders in Africa to join hands in supporting FATU and its mission to create a stronger, more united voice for workers to achieve meaningful change and build a brighter future for workers in Africa.
Mr Chewe is accompanied to Ghana by his General Secretary George Mumba to attend the 13th Quadrennial Delegates Conference for the Ghana Mineworkers’ Union being held in Obuasi.
The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) is a leading trade union representing the interests of miners in Zambia. With a strong commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of miners, MUZ has been actively involved in advocating for improved working conditions, fair wages, and social protection for its members since its formation pre-independence.
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