MOPANI Copper Mines (MCM) has awarded unionised employees a 10 per cent pay rise effective January 1, next year.

This follows successful completion of the collective bargaining process and signing of the collective agreement with the four union bodies.

The union bodies includes, the Mine-workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), United Mine-workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ), the National Union of Miners and Allied workers (NUMAW) and the Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO).

MUZ president Chishimba Nkole signed on behalf of the unions, while Mopani chief services officer Moses Chilangwa signed on behalf of the company.

Mr Nkole commended Mopani and union members for exercising a high level of understanding and support that led to amicable conclusion of the negotiations.

He expressed gratitude that management at Mopani had engaged members of staff in areas of productivity, safety and cost control.

"I extend special thanks to the members of the four unions and management at Mopani for the mutual support exhibited during the bargaining process.

"Mopani is our company and we are all interested in its long term success and this can only happen if all stakeholders are involved in the day-to-day affairs of the company," he said

Mr Chilangwa commended the union for the fruitful conclusion of the negotiations in good time and urged the union to continue engaging management on all matters of mutual interest.