.SHAMENDA

By KAIKO NAMUSA –
LABOUR and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda has said Government and the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) share a common goal of uplifting the welfare of the Zambian workers.
Mr Shamenda said this when newly-elected ZFE president, Bruno Chisambo and ZFE Board members called on him at his office in Lusaka yesterday.
The minister congratulated Mr Chisambo over his appointment and assured him of continued support, saying Government and the ZFE shared a common goal to uplift the welfare of the Zambian people.
‘‘As Government, we want 2014 to be a conflict free year in as far as labour and industrial relations are concerned and I would like to call for dialogue between employers and workers to resolve any disputes,’’ he said.
The minister told Mr Chisambo, who was accompanied by ZFE executive director Harrington Chibanda to feel free to consult his office if there were any issues to be addressed.
Mr Chisambo said he would encourage dialogue between social partners and the Ministry of Labour to realise the common goal of improving the lives of the people.
He said ZFE wanted to ensure that companies operated at an optimal level to contribute to job creation and sustain their operations.
He expressed happiness that Mr Shamenda emphasised  improving productivity levels in the country because through this, companies would grow and remain sustainable.
Mr Chisambo said during his tenure, he would encourage consultation and work on strengthening the research team in ZFE.
He pledged to encourage dialogue with all stakeholders, saying his focus was to contribute to the country’s wealth creation and uplifting the standards of living of the people.
Mr Chisambo has succeeded Alfred Masupha.