By Staff Writer
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair has described as untrue insinuations by the three unions representing workers at KCM and its subsidiaries that the mine is failing to meet production and planning requirements.
Media reports suggest that the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), the National Union of Mining and Allied Workers (NUMAW) and the United Mine Workers of Zambia (UMUZ) issued a joint statement indicating that employees of KCM subsidiaries, the Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and KCM SmelterCo Limited, were reporting for work without being assigned tasks.
The unions have also been quoted as saying KCM is failing to meet production and planning requirements.
Ms Nair said KCM is taken aback with the stance taken by the unions because the Company constantly provides the unions with updates each time they make a request for information.
“For instance, last week the unions contacted KCM for a site visit – a request which KCM Management accepted. However, the unions cancelled their visit due to other commitments” she said.
Ms Nair said the mine is surprised with the stance the unions have taken because KCM has been transparent and maintains an open-door policy with the unions who are key stakeholders in matters affecting the Company.
“To insinuate that employees’ report for work just to sit within their work stations in not only inaccurate but a malicious statement that we cannot comprehend. While KCM is facing some difficulties and indeed requires bridge financing, the picture portrayed by the unions is not correct,” she said”.
This is contained in a statement issued by KCM General Manager Corporate Affairs Shapi Shachinda.
