Shamenda warns employers over labour laws abrogation

Speaking when he officially opened the bipartite workshop for employers and trade unions in Lusaka today, Mr Shamenda says he will allow a situation where employers pretend not to have the capacity pay workers well, when they have the financial capacity to do so.

Mr Shamenda says are able approve any collective agreement which offers workers low salaries if he knows that the company has the ability to pay more than what it is offering the workers.

He has since cautioned employers to comply with the labour Law or he will be left with no option but to take stiffer amendments to the labour laws to parliament.

Mr Shamenda has also called for a stronger labour movement in the country that will address the challenges facing workers.

And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Leonard Hikaumba has stressed the need for dialogue so as to promote harmonious working environment at work places.

Mr. Hikaumba says by so doing workers will contribute to poverty reduction in the country.

Earlier, Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) President Tyson Chisambo noted that the issue of negotiations which has continued to be confrontational is a source of concern.

Mr. Chisambo notes that it will be a misapplication of the Law on Minimum wages if the Minister of Labour decides to set a minimum wage for unionized employees.