DJ reported that Zambia's Konkola Copper Mines will subject all workers suspected to have participated in last week's riots to the due disciplinary process of the company.

Mr Gerald Mulwanda KCM's head of media relations in a statement said that management also wouldn't interfere in the judicial process involving employees arrested by Zambia Police and taken to court during the riots. Scores of KCM miners remain in custody following last week's riots.

He said that "Those suspected to have been involved in the rioting will be subjected to the Company's Disciplinary Code and in cases where employees are made to appear before the courts of law for their part the management will not interfere in any way."

Output at KCM was interrupted for three days following the strike. Workers later rioted and attacked Chinese and Indian expatriates at the company. The workers are demanding a 30% pay rise and improved working conditions. KCM declared the strike illegal saying that there was no dispute before the workers went on strike.

Labor talks that were supposed to commence last week were called off following the strike and are now expected to start next week. Union representatives have vowed to fight for the rights of their members at KCM, urging that it's unfair for KCM to punish workers for pressing for their rights.

(Sourced from Dow Jones)