Anger by trade unions is understandable – Mutesa

Opposition Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED) says the anger being expressed by unions over the wage freeze imposed on the public service is understandable.

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has warned government that it will organize countrywide mass demonstrations if it does not lift the wage freeze.

ZED president Frederick Mutesa has told Qfm News by telephone that the labour movement should take the offer by government to dialogue over the wage freeze.

Dr. Mutesa says his party believes the issue of the wage freeze can only be resolved on the negotiating table.

He says this therefore means that dialogue over the wage freeze between government and the unions is the best way forward.

Dr Mutesa states that much as his party understands that the unions have a justifiable cause to pressure government over the wage freeze, whatever avenues they want to use to push government to lift the wage freeze should only be considered once dialogue fails.

He says the unions must exhaust all available means to trying to reach consensus with government on the wage freeze.