Zambian government is committed to engage in social dialogue in the mining sector – Kaunda
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mr Trevor Kaunda has reassured social partners that the Zambian government is committed to engage in social dialogue in the mining sector.
13 November 2014
He said this during an inaugural meeting of the ILO’s new project on ‘Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in the Zambian Mining Sector’ on Thursday 13th November, 2014
Mr Kaunda further stated that the government has prioritised the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda and has been proactive in the ratification and domestication of all the fundamental principles of rights at work and has recently issued a statutory instrument on hazardous labour to effectively curb all forms of forced labour and the elimination of child labour.
“Since this project aims to promote sound industrial relations in the mining sector which is one of the biggest sustainable employment sectors in Zambia, we regard it as one of the avenues through which our core objectives can be met.” He said
He thanked the ILO for facilitating consultations with stakeholders in the mining sector.
Speaking during the same event, ILO Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Mr. Martin Clemensson stressed on the need to ensure effective social dialogue that thrives on institutions or mechanisms that permit individuals to express their views individually and collectively through unions or associations on issues that affect their daily lives on both professional and personal basis.
He further stated that successful social dialogue must be within a democratic culture, with strong and capable unions which are equipped with financial and human resources. Equally, with an enabling microeconomic and legislative environment.
The project’s development objective is to promote sound industrial relations and compliance with Fundamental principles and rights at work in the Zambian mining sector. This project strategy is based on the ILO’s longstanding experience of the Zambian labour environment and its close relationships will all constituents in accordance with the principles of tripartism. The Project with the support of the Social Partners and ILO will aim to address the current challenges of labour relations and employment matters in the mining sector.
Mr Kaunda further stated that the government has prioritised the four pillars of the Decent Work Agenda and has been proactive in the ratification and domestication of all the fundamental principles of rights at work and has recently issued a statutory instrument on hazardous labour to effectively curb all forms of forced labour and the elimination of child labour.
“Since this project aims to promote sound industrial relations in the mining sector which is one of the biggest sustainable employment sectors in Zambia, we regard it as one of the avenues through which our core objectives can be met.” He said
He thanked the ILO for facilitating consultations with stakeholders in the mining sector.
Speaking during the same event, ILO Director for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Mr. Martin Clemensson stressed on the need to ensure effective social dialogue that thrives on institutions or mechanisms that permit individuals to express their views individually and collectively through unions or associations on issues that affect their daily lives on both professional and personal basis.
He further stated that successful social dialogue must be within a democratic culture, with strong and capable unions which are equipped with financial and human resources. Equally, with an enabling microeconomic and legislative environment.
The project’s development objective is to promote sound industrial relations and compliance with Fundamental principles and rights at work in the Zambian mining sector. This project strategy is based on the ILO’s longstanding experience of the Zambian labour environment and its close relationships will all constituents in accordance with the principles of tripartism. The Project with the support of the Social Partners and ILO will aim to address the current challenges of labour relations and employment matters in the mining sector.