KONKOLA COPPER MINES CONTRACTOR’S EMPLOYEES PROTEST IN CHINGOLA DEMANDING IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS

By SANFROSSA MANYINDA OVER 2, 000 employees of contractors at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) yesterday protested in Chingola demanding improved working conditions. About 20 of them were apprehended by police and charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace. The workers gathered at Watson Stadium at around 09:00 hours demanding improved conditions of service such as, engaging them as permanent workers. And KCM Mineral Resource Director Enock Ponda advised the gathering to appoint representatives from their respective companies and outline their grievances within 72 hours to KCM Management. Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Elias Chushi said despite the assurance that their plight would be looked into, the workers mobilised themselves and started blocking the roads in the district, a situation that forced the police to move in. “The protesters continued being unruly despite being advised to disperse peacefully. Police eventually discharged tear smoke and managed to restore order,” Mr Chushi said. He said police officers were however still patrolling the streets to ensure order. Mr Chushi said the 20 suspects were still in police custody.