Govt refutes claims by JAWUZ over wage freeze

Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili

Government has dismissed as misleading and misplaced allegations by the Judiciary and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) president Peter Mwale that Government is taking advantage of perceived divisions in the labour movement to entrench its position over the wage freeze.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili in a statement says contrary to Mr. Mwale’s assertions, Government has adopted an open door policy in which stakeholders are free to engage Government on any issue of concern.

Mr Kambwili says there is, therefore, no justification for JAWUZ to accuse Government of insincerity over a matter that is still open to discussion.

He states that Government, under the leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has the welfare of the workers at heart as one of the important factors of production in the national development agenda.

On Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) leader Charles Milupi’s statement that it is an act of financial indiscipline for Government to propose to create more ministries, Mr Kambwili says this is another insincere and incorrect portrayal of facts which a man of Mr. Milupi’s standing will do well to avoid.

Mr Kambwili who is new Information Minister says the truth of the matter which Mr. Milupi deliberately chooses to ignore is that there are no new ministries being created.

He says what is being proposed is mere realignment of some ministries whose directorates and personnel already exist.

Mr Kambwili says this is for the purpose of making such ministries more effective, efficient and responsive to their mandates.

And Mr Kambwili has advised mining companies to pursue the path of dialogue as opposed to threats and blackmail against Government over new mining tax regime.

He says it is a well known fact that under the previous tax regime, the people of Zambia got nothing from their mineral wealth in terms of taxes as some mining companies declared Zero profits from their operations year in year out.

Mr Kambwili states that it is government’s desire to ensure companies pay the right taxes.