Labour Day Celebrations – May 2012

Kitwe joined other Cities in Zambia to celebrate Labour Day which fell on 1^ST May 2012.The occasion was held at the Rugby club in Nkana west.

The event was graced by the Kitwe District commissioner Mr. Elias Kamanga. Others in attendance included the vice president of the Federation of employers, Mr. R.D Gupta.

The theme for this year was “Enhancing workers rights for sustainable national Development”.

The events started with a match past, through the city square where companies displayed their products mounted on moving trucks. The trucks went in a convoy via Central Street up to the arena for the event in Nkana west.

Charity Katota the chairperson of the Zambia congress of trade unions (ZCTU) women’s league implored employers to recognize women as partners in organization development by making deliberate policies to include women in key company decision making positions.

Mr. RD Gupta, the Zambia Federation of employers Vice president and SCAW limited managing Director, made an appeal to the government to put in place policies that are aimed at protecting local manufacturers by giving local manufacturers incentives that would stimulate the growth of local industries.

He further said that the main challenges faced by the workers in terms of motivated remunerations would be properly addressed by employers if the companies are run profitably. He said that the government needed to remove all impediments that translate into the high cost of doing business.

 He said that employers had pledged to recognize workers rights to fair treatment and fair wage. Workers were also reminded of the rights of employers and the need to strike a balance when workers were making demands and to ensure a solid partnership between employees and employers without having to cause unnecessary work stoppages that are counter productive to national development.

The Kitwe District commissioner, Mr. Elias Kamanga called upon workers to desist from derailing development by making unrealistic demands and engaging in work stoppages. He addressed workers that the current Government was reviewing current labour laws in order to protect the interests of workers.

He also reminded employers of the need to remunerate there workers fairly without exploitation. He said that a balanced way of sharing the profit between employers and employees would ensure that national development is attained for the better future of the country.

Various companies awarded their employees with gifts ranging from Cash rewards and household goods such as Fridges, Hi- Fi  equipment, mattresses and cookers.