20 November 2008
ZAMTEL has lifted suspensions slapped on 68 workers who were suspected to have masterminded a three-week strike.
National Union of Communication Workers (NUCW) general secretary, Clement Kasonde confirmed the development in an interview in Ndola yesterday.
Mr Kasonde said the union and management resolved on Tuesday evening that all the employees should return to work today unconditionally.
"The meeting progressed well. The relationship between management and ourselves has been harmonised. We've reconciled. All suspensions were lifted yesterday (Tuesday) evening. Letters will be given out today (yesterday)," he said.
Zamtel management suspended 68 unionised employees including NUCW national trustee, Jonathan Kandunda.
The workers went on strike demanding commencement of negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service.
Mr Kasonde said union and management officials would next week tour all Zamtel stations to explain to the workers the poor financial status of the company.
He said salaries would only be reviewed next year in March while management had agreed to give an 'incentive' to all workers next month.
"We had lengthy meetings with management. They explained that Zamtel is in serious financial difficulties and that's why they cannot offer any increment. We want to share this information with our members in all stations starting next week," he said.
Zamtel was supposed to start negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service in March this year but management requested for six months as the financial status could not allow for an increase.
However, last month management during a joint council indicated that the financial position had not improved and was not ready to improve salaries.
Zamtel, which has a work force of 2,700, owes Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) K280 billion and another K100 billion is owed in unremitted statutory contributions.
Mr Kasonde, therefore, appealed to all workers to remain calm while management and union officials were seeking a way forward.
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