NUMAW counsels labour leaders

NUMAW president James Chansa said the mining industry was the basis of the country’s economy and as such, issues affecting the sector should be handled with maturity.
He said interest groups such as the unions should avoid being counter-productive in the gains recorded.
Mr Chansa said this when he addressed NUMAW members at an award presentation ceremony for the union members who had just retired from service.
The ceremony held at Cricket Club saw 22 retired miners from Roan and Mpantamatu branches return home with a bicycle each and kitchen utensils for their spouses.
Mr Chansa praised the massive Chinese investment in Luanshya that had rekindled economic activities in the area.
He said it was the union’s desire to see the investment translate into improved welfare of the miners.
“Activities in Luanshya came to a halt because of closure of the mines but we thank God that activities have been revived and we are now able to put bread and butter on the table and for this, we thank the Chinese for their hard work,” Mr Chansa said.
He said NUMAW was aware that the mining industry still faced many challenges and that this was the reason the union had resolved to commit itself to helping the sector overcome some hurdles.
On the awards, Mr Chansa said they were aimed at appreciating the retirees for their contribution to the growth of the union.
He urged all retired miners to invest their terminal benefits in productive ventures.