The Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) has called for dialogue on the controversy surrounding the revised minimum wage recently announced by government.
ZUFIAW president Cephus Mukuka has told Qfm news that there is need to resolve the impasses and chat the way forward.
Mr. Mukuka says in as much as the development is welcome; there is need for consensus from all stakeholders.
He says it is important for government to take into account the concerns of all stakeholders to ensure that everyone is happy with the development.
The announcement of the minimum wage was received with mixed feelings with the Zambia Federation of Employers threatening not to recognise the move on grounds that the process to come up with figures was not consultative.
Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kennedy Sakeni says government will not take kindly to threats of economic sabotage or deliberate disregard of the law.
Mr. Sakeni said the Patriotic Front (PF) government is extremely shocked at the negative reactions exhibited by some sections of society following governments' decision to revise the minimum wage upwards to mitigate the suffering of the people.
Mr. Sakeni who was speaking at a pressing briefing at his office said government has an open door policy and is willing to discuss justified and warranted concerns on the issue of minimum wages for domestic, shop and general workers.
He noted that government is mandated to ensure that its people get fair and decent wages for the services they provide.
Mr. Sakeni further noted that the PF government came into office with a pledge of not only creating employment but also making it meaningful.
He explained that the purpose of the revised minimum wages as announced by the Labour Minister is aimed at fulfilling the pledge.
He said government is ready and willing to discuss any warranted concerns on the matter either from the employer or employee or the civil society perspective.
He said in accordance with the procedure that is stipulated in the Statutory Instrument No. 45, 46 and 47 of 2002, and other relevant labour statues and laws government is expecting to hear from all genuinely concerned stakeholders.
He further said government will then examine all concerns that will be brought to its attention as threatening massive lay-offs or disregard of the law is not the solution.
