National Union for Mine and Allied Workers (NUMAW) has urged the government to introduce a sector-based minimum wage specifically for mine and allied workers in Zambia.
Speaking in an interview with Money News, NUMAW President Saul Simujika said mine workers should not be subjected to the same salary benchmarks as other sectors, given the nature of their work.
Mr. Simujika revealed that most mining companies currently offer a minimum salary of K2,500, and when a new investor proposes K2,700, it often creates confusion and tension within the industry.
He stressed the need to establish a clear principle on the minimum wage structure for mine and allied workers, after which a uniform minimum wage can be set to ensure stability and fairness across the sector.
“One matter that we have always talked about is the issue of sector based minimum wage. The mining industry is different from these others, so even their minimum wage must not be compared to domestic workers or shop keepers. You cannot have the same minimum with a person who goes underground, in those dangerous areas,” Mr. Simujika said.
Mr. Simujika further noted that mine unions have continued to collaborate effectively with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to address challenges facing workers in the mining industry.
He added that there have been fewer work stoppages this year, attributing the improvement to enhanced leadership and proactive engagement from the Ministry.
“As NUMAW, we have been working very well with the Ministry of Labour, we have been interacting and sharing ideas, to make sure that the plight of miners is attended to,” he added.
Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba recently reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing strong leadership in tackling challenges within the labour market.
