Sata warns overzealous ministers

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has warned overzealous ministers and Government officials against interfering with workers’ pay negotiations and resorting to random positions which he says were bound to induce loss of confidence in the economy. Mr Sata has since directed that salary adjustments currently under consideration should match the country’s inflation to avoid triggering inflationary spirals which would then render salary increases futile. In a statement released by his Deputy Press Secretary, Amos Chanda in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Sata pointed out that some of the approaches being pursued by individuals in Government were not in line with established procedure. "Government’s style and policy is to discuss with employers and workers, matters of mutual interest following the statutory channels and procedures. To this effect, some of the approaches pursued by individuals in Government are adrift with established procedure," he said

The president has assured companies operating in Zambia, whether local or foreign, that Government was committed to maintaining an environment that was conducive to their functioning "in an atmosphere of serenity and peace reinforced by strictest adherence to the rule of law." Mr Sata said labour unions were free to bargain with employers on salary or wage settlements as by law established. "In the interest of the economy, save for the special case of workers in the medical sector, the salary adjustments should stay as close to inflation as possible. This is necessary to avoid triggering inflationary spirals which would then render salary increases futile," he said. The president issued the directive and warning to the ministers and Government officers, saying they should not resort to arbitrary positions which could only induce loss of confidence in the country and in the process undermine progress which was essential and crucial to achieving poverty alleviation and reduction within the shortest time possible.