By YVONNE CHATE – UNIONISED workers at Kafubu Water and Sewerage Company (KWSC) in Ndola yesterday staged a work stoppage in protest against alleged discrimination by management.
The workers claimed that they were intimidated by the human resources director and managing director, Atanathias Mwaba.
But Mr Mwaba denied the allegation stating that he had no idea of what was happening as union representatives had never raised issues of employees’ grievances with management.
A check by the Times at 09:00 hours found workers gathered outside the company premises chanting slogans against Mr Mwaba.
Police were also at the scene to ensure that the situation did not get out of hand.
KWSC union chairperson Augustine Zulu alleged that the company was financially mismanaged and the plight of workers was nowhere near the agenda of top management.
Mr Zulu, who had a torrid time calming his members, said this led to termination of employment contracts at middle management level confirming the aspect of selective job dismissals in the company.
Mr Banda alleged that there was nepotism in the company’s recruitment procedure which had led to sidelining of old staff members.
“The company has been running without effective communication procedures and this has led to a five month delay in collective bargaining.
“The workers are demanding for a change of management and change of company’s current operations,” he said.
Mr Mwaba said he had no idea of what was going on because he was with Mr Zulu on Monday but the union leader did not bring out the workers grievances.
“I do not know anything regarding the workers’ demonstrations because I was with their union chairperson and he said nothing,” he said.
Mr Mwaba said his office was open to everyone but no one approached him about the concerns raised by staff.
He said he had no idea of what was going on because he was with Mr Zulu on Monday but the union leader did not bring out the workers’ grievances.