DIALOGUE is an important avenue through which pertinent issues could be resolved amicably. Consensus can be reached through dialogue rather than resorting to violence in any situation, including in negotiations for better salaries and conditions of service.

It is therefore important that workers at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) through their union representatives embrace the spirit of dialogue and observe law and order this time around.

The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) should ensure that their members embrace the spirit of collective bargaining.

While the negotiations are going on, the workers should remain calm and continue working so that the process is completed in good time.

The recent rioting in Chingola was not the best way of handling the matter and we hope the miners have learnt lessons from the disturbances.

Union representatives should update their members at acceptable intervals without pre-empting the outcome.

It was sad that some miners had resorted to rioting in which more than 30 were arrested and some of them are facing disciplinary action from the employers.

The miners concerned should bear the consequences of their illegal action and should learn that destruction will remain illegal even if one has a genuine cause.

In the confusion, some miners disrupted grade 12 examinations at Nchanga Trust School and people were left to wonder if the pupils had anything to do with negotiations for improved salaries and conditions of service.

It is important for reason to prevail for adults such as miners who unfortunately resorted to rioting even after being cautioned by management. They also went against the advice from their union representatives.

We appeal to MUZ and NUMAW to put up an effective education programme for their members on trade union matters such as collective bargaining, grievance handling, and conflict resolution.

From the recent misconduct, it was evident that ignorance exists among some miners who engaged in stone throwing even before the conclusion of the talks.

They should give time to the negotiating parties to conclude the talks as management has reiterated its commitment to improving conditions of service.

The law on the other hand should take its course.