Joyce Nonde-Simukoko prods Zambian workers to keep abreast labour laws as knowledge is power

Joyce Nonde-Simukoko prods Zambian workers to keep abreast labour laws as knowledge is power

By Derrick Sinjela

LABOUR Minister Joyce Nonde-Simukoko has called on Zambian workers to have an interest of reading labour laws for them to have knowledge.

A nominated Member of Parliament, and formerly Federation of Free Trade Unions in Zambia (FFTUZ) President, Ms. Nonde-Simukoko said employees who do not have knowledge on labour laws are always disadvantaged.

Speaking at the 10th Quadrilateral Conference for the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) in Livingstone, Southern Province on Wednesday 16th December 2020, Ms. Nonde- Simukoko pegged Zambia as one of the countries that have better labour laws in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“I want to urge all Zambians to have interest of reading labour laws. The labour laws have we have in Zambia are the best within the SADC region. I have seen some countries were labour laws are very bad. Where unions are not allowed to say anything,” bragged Ms. Nonde-Simukoko.

The Zambian Labour Minister said not knowing lanour laws amounted to giving employers power to fire an employee without apparent reason.

“Once workers are kept abreast of these labour laws, employers will not indiscriminately take advantage of employees. As they say ignorance of ones right is not a good defense mechanism against labour violation,” admonished Ms. Nonde-Simukoko.

And speaking earlier at the same conference, Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) General Secretary Cosmas Mukuka advised people in trade unions to desist participating in partisan politics.

Cosmas Mukuka (Right)

Mr. Mukuka said being in any trade union was like being in politics so trade union members are supposed to refrain from active partisan politics, as workers represented belong to different political parties.

Mr. Mukuka advised labour leaders seeking to take active part in politics to relinquish trade union positions.

“Government has announced that those working as civil servants and want to contest any political position must resign from the civil service. It is the same principle with trade unionism, members must first resign than playing double standards,” said Mukuka.

The ZCTU Secretary General said it is not a good perception for a trade union member to be labelled as someone playing any partisan role in national politics.

By Press Time, election results for the new office bearers were still awaited as voting and counting was in motion.