MINE-WORKER UNIONS EXPECT TIMELY ATTENTION TO WORKERS WELFARE AT KCM AND MOPANI

 The Mine-Workers Union Of Zambia-MUZ -has urged the two new management teams at Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines-KCM- to settle fast and begin to address worker welfare once they gain full control of the assets.

Union President Joseph Chewe says that with the bargaining processes at the two mines halted until the new management is in place, worker welfare and discussions would take precedence once everything is in order.

Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe recently revealed the government's intentions to fully transfer over the two mines to Vedanta Resources and International Resources Holdings-IRH- by February 28, 2024, prompting Mr. Chewe to urge the two investors to settle promptly.

He contends that workers at the two mines have experienced numerous challenges in recent years, emphasizing the importance of resuming the suspended collective bargaining process for 2024 salaries and conditions of service.

Mr. Chewe has also stated that the two mines must re-employ all Zambian miners who were laid off during the unproductive period, as well as provide permanent jobs rather than contractor jobs.