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Zambia Daily Mail by Online Editor on 6/5/13
2,000 KCM jobs stay
… no one gets fired as KCM shelves job cut plans
By JERRY MUNTHALI
KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has shelved plans to lay off 2,000 workers, which was intended to be a cost-saving measure for the mining giant.
The plan to lay off the workers was roundly criticised by mine unions, the government, opposition leaders and other interest groups that have in the past complained about the critical job market in Zambia.
KCM public relations manager Joy Sata said in a statement issued in Kitwe yesterday that the mining company wishes to notify all stakeholders that it has been engaged in “very progressive discussions with the government and the unions on the current challenges it is facing”.
“As a result of the steps that are being jointly taken to address these challenges, significant progress has been made in identifying measures that will mitigate the company’s financial and business challenges,” Ms Sata said.
She said the redundancy programme originally proposed by KCM has been put off.
“The company, unions and government are engaging each other to find a lasting solution,” said Ms Sata.
She said KCM is confident that the discussions it will have with the government will end up in a “win-win” situation and thanked the government and the unions for their positive contributions to this process.
And Minister of Labour and Social Security Fackson Shamenda said he will issue a comprehensive statement today on the KCM decision.
Mr Shamenda said the development comes after a successful meeting he had with KCM chief executive officer Jeyakumar Janakaraj and Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development Yamfwa Mukanga
“We only managed to save these jobs after a comprehensive discussion with KCM and also with the Minister of Mines.
“We are happy that KCM management were so accommodative and understanding during the discussions that have made us arrive at the win-win situation,” Mr Shamenda said.
“I will issue a more detailed statement on that tomorrow [today],” Mr Shamenda said.
