GOVERNMENT WON’T TOLERATE INDISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SERVICE - SCOTT

By Chambwa Moonga
ACTING President Dr Guy Scott says the government will not act unilaterally on matters of national importance. 
In a statement released in Lusaka yesterday highlighting various contentious issues, Dr Scott stated that he had consulted widely on a number of labour-related issues that had been coming up in the elections campaign. 

“Government has listened to the views being expressed by unions and other stakeholders regarding this retirement age issue. Consultations are therefore in progress in order to reach consensus. The government will not act unilaterally on matters of such importance and sensitivity,” acting President Dr Scott stated. 
On the wage freeze which is currently in effect, acting President Scott stated that the matter was between the parties to the collective bargaining process. 
“So far, some public sector unions such as those in the local authorities have already had their conditions of service reviewed. For others, the process is on-going and in progress,” read the statement. The acting President further stated that the government would not tolerate indiscipline in the public service and added that: “Because we are a listening government, we made a decision to review the issue of the dismissed nurses on a case-by-case basis….” 
On Barrick Gold’s threat to suspend operations at Lumwana Copper Mine in Solwezi, Dr Scott stated that the mine would submit mining tax proposals to the government for justification. 
“It has been agreed that Lumwana will submit mining tax proposals to government to justify what level of mineral royalty tax should be applicable for them to remain operational,” said acting President Dr Scott. 
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