By Michael Kaluba
The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers -NUMAW-is concerned about an alleged drop in standards at the government-owned Mopani copper mines due to asset uncertainty and a lack of capitalization.
According to NUMAW President Saul Simujika, it was previously unheard of for Mopani to delay payments to its suppliers and contractors for up to four months, as has been the case recently since the zambia consolidated copper mines investment holdings -ZCCM-IH- acquired 90% of glencore shares to own the entire mine with its 10% stake.
Mr. Simujika points out that worker entitlement, such as safety clothing and standards, are a cause of concern for unions, since there are noticeable breaches leading to delayed distribution even when they are both vital to worker protection and due.
And, according to reports, Mopani copper mines has not renewed a contract for power tools logistics that has been ferrying workers for years, prompting some workers to complain that the newly hired transporter may start using Rosa buses instead of the large Tata buses that the outgoing contractor was using.
However, the NUMAW President indicated that the union would engage with management as there has been no communication regarding this matter, which affects the workers' situation in terms of safety and comfort while on the road.
Efforts to get Mopani copper mines public relations department proved futile by broadcast time pending a response to a Phoenix News press query.
PHOENIX NEWS