MINISTER CAUTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL WORK STOPPAGES

By ANDREW MUKOMALABOUR and Social Security Ministe, Brenda Mwiika Tambatamba has guided that work stoppages by workers who among other things are demanding improved terms and conditions of service, is not the solution to solving their dispute. Ms Tambatamba says of late, some sectors of the economy have been experiencing isolated work stoppages by workers. She however said that while workers have the right to demand better terms and conditions of employment, the demands must be done in accordance with the provisions of the law.The Minister has charged that although Article 21 (1) of the Constitution of Zambia, provides that no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his/her freedom of assembly and association, but noted that the same freedom of assembly and association must be exercised within the procedures provided by the law.“To this end, the law provides for the clear procedures to follow by both the employers and the employees to resolve any labour disputes before withdrawing labour or suspending work,” she said. Ms Tambatamba has guided that it is important that workers and employers strictly adhere to these guidelines as outlined in the law.According to section 75 of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, a collective dispute arises when one party has presented in writing to the other party its claims and demands and the other party has within fourteen days not responded; rejected the claims or demand; or parties to the dispute have at least held one meeting with the view of negotiating a settlement of the dispute and failed. Therefore, the minister said, it is an offence for an employer, employee, trade union or other person to engage or incite another person to take part in a lockout or strike.Ms Tambattamba said the law encourages the employers, employers organisations, workers and indeed the trade union to engage in meaningful dialogue at all times in the interest of industrial peace, greater efficiency and productivity.