.SHAMENDA

By SYLVESTERT MWALE –

LABOUR Minister Fackson Shamenda has charged that worker’s contribution to Zambia’s struggle for independence should serve as a reminder on the need for national service before personal gain.
Mr Shamenda said during the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) dinner dance on Friday evening that Zambian employees sacrificed their lives to gain independence in 1964.
He noted that this year’s Labour Day was even more significant as it coincides with Zambia’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
“Through their blood and sweat, we are here today enjoying the fruits of their efforts,” he said.
“The blood they shed during the struggle should serve as a constant reminder and a challenge to us that we should place service before personal gain. “
He noted that the labour movement in Zambia had matured resulting in fewer strikes since 2011 when the Patriotic Front (PF) took over Government.
Apart from resolving the disputes amicably, the labour movement in Zambia has been able to help the Government in fulfilling the party’s manifesto.
The Government has also been able to restructure the Ministry of Labour through unprecedented reforms that have resulted in the transformation of the ministry into an economic institution.
Mr Shamenda reiterated that the Government would not take kindly to companies that would employ foreigners as human resource personnel.
“We have directed that the function of human resources management be undertaken by Zambians only because the local people understand the environment and culture of Zambia better than foreigners,” he said.
He also noted that though the country managed to win political independence, Zambians could not talk about freedom when the majority were still failing to put food on the table.
Earlier, ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said this year’s Labour Day celebrations offered an opportunity to reflect on the successes and failures in the past 50 years of the country’s independence.