Affiliate with employer organisations, UFEZ urges new mining firms

By MUBITA KATETE

THE United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has urged new mining companies operating in the North-Western Province to affiliate with employer organisations to promote decent work practices and ensure the welfare of their workers.
In a press statement, yesterday, on behalf of the UFEZ executive board, Executive Secretary Deluxe Mwansa welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for a salary increment and improved conditions of service for public service workers.
He noted that the recent K500 increase in the basic salary for government workers would positively impact other salary-based allowances, benefitting workers across various sectors.
“We welcome the conclusion of negotiations for salary increment and other conditions of service for public service workers. The K500 increase in the basic salary will improve other salary-based allowances,” Mr Mwansa said. “We also encourage the private sector to emulate Government by promoting collective bargaining, which is a fundamental right of workers.”
Mr Mwansa said with the opening of new mining operations, particularly in the Kesenseli and Kalengwa areas of North-Western Province, it was critical for these companies to align with established employer organisations.
“This would ensure they uphold important labour rights such as social security, collective bargaining, freedom of association, and overall social protection for their workers,” he said.
“With regard to the opening of new mining companies in North-Western Province at Kesenseli and Kalengwa, we call upon management to ensure that they affiliate with employers’ organisations to promote decent work through social security, collective bargaining, freedom of association, and social protection.”