KCM EMPLOYEES DEMAND IMMEDIATE RESUMPTION OF PRODUCTION AT THE MINE AND PAYMENT OF THEIR 20% SALARY HIKE
KCM EMPLOYEES DEMAND IMMEDIATE RESUMPTION OF PRODUCTION AT THE MINE AND PAYMENT OF THEIR 20% SALARY HIKE
By Michael Kaluba
Mineworker unions have warned that the situation at Konkola Copper Mines -KCM- has deteriorated to dangerous levels, with the asset nearing care and maintenance.
During a press conference in Kitwe today, Mineworkers Union of Zambia president Joseph Chewe expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the mining sector, particularly at KCM.
Mr. Chewe laments that the three-month transition period announced by government for KCM expired on December 5, 2023, with no production resumed at the mine.
And according to the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers-NUMAW- President Saul Simujika the unions have been excluded from discussions for both Mopani and KCM and has challenged government to give full disclosure of the agreements for both assets.
Mr. Simujika has also revealed that efforts to meet with President Hakainde Hichilema about these issues have failed, while expressing concern that the head of state is receiving half-baked briefings on the asset’s status.
Meanwhile, KCM Branch Officials earlier sang solidarity songs while clad in black, demanding that production immediately resume at the mine and for their 20 percent salary increment and the K2500 once off payment under Vedanta.
PHOENIX NEWS