THIS week, I will start by reflecting on reports which, in the past week, have emerged from Kitwe where it has been “party time” for some miners who received their retrenchment packages.
Mopani Copper Mines last Thursday released K18,000 to each of the retrenched miners, some of whom embarked on a shopping spree – painting the mining town red, if you may call it that.
Some people who witnessed this unrestrained spending have talked about how bars were swarmed by former miners who were out to display their new status.
Elsewhere, chain stores were heaving with excited ex-miners and their families laying their hands on any goodies that they had always dreamed of before the cash ‘windfall’.
Others are reported to have been hiring as many as three taxis for their errands, ferrying newly-acquired merchandise and simply going around from one place to another in  pursuit of pleasure or entertainment.
But this reckless spending has aroused public indignation because it is hard to understand how the same people who have been mourning the loss of their jobs could decide to take a dangerous route into wasteland.
No one can begrudge small amounts spent on essential commodities, but for some ex-miners to veer into thoughtless spending is really unfortunate.
One would have expected the former miners to invest their money in meaningful business and other ventures as they plan the next step in their lives.
It will be sad to see them slide into misery when they still have an opportunity to build up heritage for their families.
It is such misplaced priorities which should motivate business mentors and others with such knowledge to move in and help workers, especially those who have left employment, or are about to retire.
Matters of labour and employment should not be limited to recruitment, salaries and conditions of service, but even preparing workers for life after retirement or, in the case of the miners, retrenchment.
I am aware that at the national level, appreciable steps have been taken to educate people – both the young and the old – on embracing a saving culture.
The National Strategy on Financial Education for Zambia has the primary objective of empowering Zambians with the knowledge, understanding, skills, motivation, and confidence to help them secure positive financial outcomes for themselves and their families, especially those that are disadvantaged by less education or poverty.
The strategy is a component of the Government’s Financial Sector Development Plan, which is a comprehensive plan to broaden and strengthen the country’s financial sector.
The financial education strategy was formulated in 2012 and is expected to contribute towards making Zambia a prosperous middle-income country.
This blueprint is focused on the National Vision 2030 and stands to benefit all the workers in particular and Zambians in general.
The exuberant miners surely need a piece of this!
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I recently received a letter from a miner whose career was cut short by an accident he was involved in.
He wrote: “Dear Sir, I read your articles in the Times of Zambia on labour and employment, and I have some observation to make.
Labour laws and labour officers in Zambia are not doing enough for poor workers. Some labour officers are corrupt and only side with employers.
I used to work for Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and I was involved in a mine accident during which I suffered a fractured limb. I stayed in hospital for four months until I was discharged after doctors inserted a plate in my leg.
I was put on sick leave for three months after which I resumed my duties. I was put on light duties since I had this plate in my leg but, unfortunately, just after working for a month I was retrenched instead of giving me a medical discharge which I was entitled to because I had a medical condition.
I reported this matter to the labour office and I showed them the KCM medical policy which says that when an employee becomes sick for 90 days, he qualifies for a medical discharge.
Sadly, the story has died a natural death and I am still living with this plate in my leg which was supposed to be removed a year after leaving employment.
I have also seen that your features are only meant to cover people with money or known people in society.”
The author of this letter requested me to withhold his name, which I have done. However, in the interest of fairness and balance, I will forward the letter to KCM so that the relevant authorities can give their side of the story.
Additionally, I am surprised that this column is being accused of being biased in favour of the elite.
Well, I will not engage in a debate with my dear comrade, but perhaps to draw his attention to the many labour and employment issues and categories of workers, I have covered, such as domestic workers who are in the low-income group and some of whom are subjected to horrendous treatment.
Still, I would like to thank you for your letter and I will give you feedback as soon as KCM responds to your grievances. For now, I wish you a quick recovery.
Dear readers, let us keep this link open as we share matters on labour and employment. For comments or questions: niza12001@yahoo.com