The Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union (ZULWAU) says the suspension of over 60 National Housing Authority workers is illegal.

Over 60 unionised workers at National Housing Authority have been suspended over the offence of riotous behaviour.

Speaking at a media briefing in Ndola, ZULWAU General Secretary Emmanuel Mwinsa said the decision was uncalled for.

“The Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union is greatly disappointed with the illegal action taken by the national housing authority management. NHA employees, due to the incompetence of this management, have unpaid salaries that have been ranging from 11 to 15 months, a situation that has resulted in the employees being vulnerable and has brought industrial unrest in the company,” Mwinsa said.

“This management has completely failed to bring back life to NHA and have continued to be cry babies and oppressing innocent workers who have no mandate in the day to day administration of the company. The action is against the provisions of the industrial and labour relations Act cap 269 under Section 5 which provides the rights to be enjoyed by employees at the place of work.”

He said NHA management had shown no regards to the institutional procedures, and as such, was creating industrial disharmony.

“NHA management has no regard to the institutional procedures and has no respect to the principles of industrial dialogue when dealing with matters of mutual agreement. This is so shameful and cannot be left unchecked as the conduct by NHA management is so detrimental to the realisation of the objectives of the company and is the recipe for industrial disharmony,” said Mwinsa.

“This also calls for scrutiny on the capabilities of these managers as they have failed to perform. We request the ministry to fire these managers who are detrimental to the performance of this institution. We finally demand for the immediate lifting of the illegal and unprocedural suspensions slapped on our innocent members who have always been ready to excuse their duties despite the state of the non payment of salaries.”