I will not allow workers to be exploited-Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has directed Secretary to the Cabinet to open negotiations of improved conditions of service with the labour movement.

The President says the directive means that the talk on wage freeze comes to an end.

President Lungu added that he has directed that the deadline for the negotiations is December 2015.

He said he will not allow workers to be exploited.

The President was speaking when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations at the Freedom Stature.

And President Lungu paid tribute to the labour movement for their contribution to national development.

He said the various labour leaders played an important role to the development of Zambia.

The President said this year’s labour Day is special and significant because it is his first since becoming President and also that it is part of Golden Jubilee.

President Lungu also emphasized on the need to promote the one Zambia One Nation motto.

The event was also attended by former President Rupiah Banda, Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima and Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini.

Others where MMD National Secretary Mwansa Mbulakulima, Green Party leader Peter Sankamba and Zambians for Empowerment and Development leader Fred Mutesa among others.

Meanwhile the President who arrived at Lusaka’s Freedom Statue at 10:15 hrs watched the procession of various companies match past prior to the speeches.

And Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda praised President Lungu’s effort in driving National development agenda in the past three months he has been in Office.

Mr. Shamenda says boycotting the event for workers is a total disrespect of the workers and urged workers to ignore those who shun their activities in 2016.

And Foreign Affairs Minster Harry Kalaba says Government is working on reviving the economic status of Luapula province.

Mr. Kalaba says Luapula Province has industries which once revived will help create employment for the local people.

Ellen Hambuba reports from Mansa that Mr. Kalaba who is also Bhati MP cited Mansa Batteries as one of the industries that government want to revive in order to create decent jobs for the people.

He says government is currently upgrading the MUSONDA hydro power station which will supply power in the province.

Mr Kalaba says sufficient supply of power which help support the growth of industries in Luapula .

He says Luapula is endowed with natural resources that investors and locals can tap to create employment.

The minister was speaking at the Labour Day celebrations in MANSA, Luapula province.

Mr. Kalaba has thanked workers for not heeding to calls by the opposition to shun this year’s Labour Day celebration.

And Zambia congress of Trade Union Mansa District Chairperson Chiluba Kombe applauded government for luring investors to Zambia and helping to create employment.

Mr. Kombe however asked government to monitor how workers are treated by some of the investors.

And ZCTU Second Vice President Manson Mtambo called on government to revive the economy of Luapula province by ensuring that companies such as Mansa batteries are reopened.

He has called on government to motivate workers who are the agent of production if economic growth is to be achieved.

Luapula province permanent secretary Bonface Chimbwali has called on investors with mining licences to get back on site.

Meanwhile, Bangwe Navilley reports that Government has warned small scale and mining contractors against shoddy works and abandoning works.

Energy Deputy Minister Charles Zulu says the PF Government has identified projects as a means of creating jobs.

Mr. Zulu says the Small scale and medium contractors should work hard to provide a good record so that they are used as engines for jobs creation.

He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Kafue District.

Mr. Zulu says this has been demonstrated by connecting Chanyanya and SHANTUMBU to the national electricity grid so that workers find life easier.

And Kafue’s Non communicable Diseases Project Representative Ketty Lubeya of Kafue District Hospital says she is worried about the number of workers dying from non communicable diseases in Kafue.

She says her project has intensified efforts in sensitizing workers to lead healthy lives.

At the same function, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions -ZCTU Representative Angela Chishimba has urged Government to pay attention to the informal sector as it has potential to create jobs.

And Zambia Federation of Employers – ZFE Representative Andrew Chisala has praised Government for listening to calls for the revision of the mineral royalty tax revision to save and create new jobs.

Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says government is disappointed that some contractors are sabotaging some national developments being undertaken by government in Northern Province.

Mr. Yaluma says the PF Government will not sit idle but will ensure that the law takes its course.

He says Government has been transparent in ensuring that it assists small scale local contractors to participate in national economic activities because it is an avenue for job creation and poverty reduction.

Mr. Yaluma was speaking when he officiated at this year’s Labour celebrations at President’s Park in Kasama.

Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia National Women’s Chairperson Charity Kampamba said there is need for government to create employment for the youth in Zambia.

She added that there is also need to enact progressive labour policies in the country.

ZNBC