By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI, JULIUS PHIRI, MILDRED KATONGO, BRIAN HATYOKA, SYLVIA MWEETWA, CHILA NAMAIKO,  KASONDE KASONDE and KENNEDY MUPESENI –
WORKERS across the country turned out in their thousands to commemorate Labour Day despite calls by some politicians to shun the workers’ day.
In Ndola Vice-President Inonge Wina urged the private sector to partner Government in offering decent jobs to citizens in all parts of the country.

. Vice President Inonge Wina during the Labour day celebrations in Ndola yesterday.

The Vice-President said yesterday when she officiated at Labour Day celebrations that Government considers the private sector as a vital partner in creating decent and sustainable jobs.
She said jobs could only be created through opening up of provincial and district centres to economic activities that contribute to national wealth.
“We shall provide an enabling environment through massive infrastructure development that we have already brought to the provinces and districts,” Ms Wina said.
Ms Wina urged employers and trade unions to engage in mutually beneficial negotiations and strive for a win-win situation.
Speaking earlier, representative from the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) Genieve Daka said issues of unemployment were of great concern to the Federation.
Ms Daka called for formulation and implementation of policies that are centered on employment creation.
Ndola District Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) official Emmanuel Mwenda urged workers whose rights were being violated to report such incidences to his office.
Mr Mwenda said a number of foreign investors were violating workers’ rights and this needed to be brought to an end.
In Chipata, Youth and Sport Minister Vincent Mwale told the workers during celebrations held at David Kaunda Stadium that workers should be allowed to join a union of their choice.
He said it would be detrimental for the employers or employees to force others into unions which they did not want.
“It is detrimental that some employers or employees are forcing others to join labour unions which they did not want for the bargaining process,” Mr Mwale said.
The minister has urged the workers to dedicate their energies to working hard in helping Government deliver development.
He said his Government is also dedicated to the workers’ plight and ensuring that jobs are secured.
ZCTU General Secretary Cosmas Mukuka called on the Government to seriously commit itself to policies and strategies aimed at job creation.
Mr Mukuka said it is regrettable that the education system does not train graduates and school leavers for self-employment.
He said Government should adequately fund colleges and ensure that they provide training which will prepare graduates for self-employment in order for them to raise income and secure their future.
Mines Deputy Minister, Richard Musukwa, said workers should  be proud to celebrate their day and reflect on their achievements.
Mr Musukwa was speaking when he graced the Labour Day event  at Diggers Rugby Club in Kitwe.
He said this was a time for all the workers to reflect and celebrate their achievement in contributing to the economy of the country.
The deputy minister said Government is working tirelessly in ensuring that the plight of workers in various institutions and sectors are resolved amicably.
ZCTU representative, Catherine Chinunda said Government should ensure that the conditions of service for workers in the Civil Service are improved.
In Livingstone, Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata warned of stern action against companies in Livingstone which are not paying workers above the minimum wage.
Ms Kapata has since directed labour officials to investigate claims of companies refusing to adhere to the current minimum wage in the tourist capital.
She said the law would visit all entities which were defying Government directives to pay workers adequately.
Ms Kapata was speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Village Ground.
She was reacting to concerns raised by ZCTU Livingstone District acting executive chairperson Francis Ng’onga, who complained that some companies in Zambia’s tourist capital were paying workers below the new minimum wage.
Mr Ng’onga also said there was widespread casualisation of labour in Livingstone, while the environment in most working places was unsafe with some employers failing to provide safety outfits to their workers.
Earlier, former ZCTU president Lenard Hikaumba wondered why some nurses who were dismissed had not been re-engaged despite Government assurances.
In Kapiri Mposhi, Lands Deputy Minister Davis Mwango  reaffirmed  Government’s commitment  to addressing  challenges  faced  by  workers, who are  key  partners in the  country’s development.
Mr  Mwango however, said  Government  demands  efficiency and  productivity  which in turn  will  increase  economic growth.
In Choma, Local Government and Housing Minister John Phiri who officiated at the Labour Day celebrations and said Government is exploring more ways to improve the conditions of service for workers through effective labour laws.
Dr Phiri said Government wants to create sustainable and decent employment opportunities which in turn, will accelerate the country’s attainment of more economic growth.
He said the ministry of Labour and Social Security has since increased the number of labour inspectors to ensure employers comply with all labour laws.
Health Minister Joseph Kasonde has called on trade unions to use mutually acceptable standards when negotiating for wages instead of undermining employers.
Dr Kasonde said Government wants employers and trade unions to engage in mutual negotiations and strive for a win-win situation.
He was speaking in Kabwe during the Labour Day celebrations and added that the increase in the number of labour officers and inspectors in provinces and districts is a commitment by the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to strengthen enforcement of labour laws.
In Kasama, Government is disappointed by contractors attempting to sabotage the developmental efforts it is making.
Mines ,Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma who officiated the celebrations at Kasama’s President’s Park yesterday, said Government is saddened by contractors trying to sabotage developmental  work by causing unnecessary delays.
Mr Yaluma reitarated Government’s resolve to continue respecting the bargaining rights of workers.
ZCTU deputy secretary general for administration Elaston Njovu called for an end to the public service wage freeze.
FFTUZ national representative Charity Tembo took a swipe at political parties urging workers to shun Labour Day celebrations.