CNMC- Luanshya copper mines management and the two mine workers unions have signed the 2011 collective agreement of 12% salary increment for all unionized employees.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at general offices board room, Head of the bargaining team Frederick Chola commended the Mine workers union of Zambia and National Union of miners and Allied workers teams for exhibiting maturity and professionalism in their negotiations

Mr Chola who is also head of human resources said 18 major issues were tackled during the negotiations adding that all the parties were satisfied with the terms.

Mr Wang Jinguun acting CEO assured the unions that the mine will not be closed for as long as it was in their hands. Mr Jinguun said his management has developed a five year plan of rehabilitating the mine and opening of the muliashi open pit.

And speaking on behalf of the two unions, MUZ general secretary Oswell Munyenyembe lamented that the negotiations were marred by political influence which made the negotiations difficult.
He said some union officials were leaking information to politicians about the negotiations adding that the practice was detrimental to the process.

Mr. Munyenyembe said politicians should be sensitized to differentiate between union matters and politics adding that conditions of service negotiations were a tough undertaking.

He thanked CLM management for investing heavily in the rehabilitation works of the mine as this would make the mine become efficient and the safety of the workers will be granted.

He urged management to continue consulting with union officials on monthly basis for the two parties to work in harmony.

(Sourced from www.lusakatimes.com)