Kalumbila Copper Mines has notified Government on its decision to lay off over One thousand miners due to the proposed new mining tax regime.
But government says it will not accept laying off of workers at Kalumbila Copper mine without justification.
Minister of Labour Joyce Simukoko says the Ministry is in possession of a letter notifying government about the development.
She however said the notification did not highlight why the mine is incapacitated but just cited that it is because of the proposed mine taxes.
Mrs. Simukoko said it is sad that whenever mine owners face challenges, they threaten government with redundancy, which should not be the case and that government will not take the issue lightly.
And in a separate interview with ZNBC News, Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said the current tax regime is the best and supports the plight of workers and government wants best for its people.
Mr. Mwakalombe said if reports that the Mines held a meeting with some unions today in Kitwe is unfortunate.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Simukoko has said the launch of the Vision Zero Campaign, which is intended to bring about zero accidents and health hazards in the work place, reflects the aspirations of the Patriotic Front government for the country’s workforce.
She says government recognises the need to deliver a vibrant social security system that protects citizens against poverty and destitution arising from employment related accidents and health hazards.
The minister said this in Livingstone during the launch of the Vision Zero campaign at the Avani Hotel in a speech delivered by Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary Barnaby Mulenga.
And, Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Nkumbula has noted that the Vision Zero has been aligned to the national Vision 2030.
Ms. Nkumbula says the compensation board desires to see fewer accidents in the workplace because this would entail less claims and more investment in the economy/ZNBC.
