Kanchibiya MP, Chanda, heaps allegations of anti-labour practices on contractor to Chinese company, 15MCC

Kanchibiya Constituency lawmaker, Sunday Chanda, has raised the alarm over reports of continued exploitation of Zambian workers by 15MCC, the main contracting company for Luanshya Copper Mine (CNMC).

Chanda described the situation in Luanshya as “modern-day slavery hiding behind foreign investment,” saying employees were being subjected to inhumane working conditions.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, he alleged that workers leave their homes as early as 04:30 hours and return close to 23:00 hours.

Despite toiling for more than 12 hours a day, the highest earners were paid only about K7,000 per month, claimed, saying the pay was a mockery.

According to Chanda, conditions at the workplace were unsafe and degrading.

He alleged that at leaching plants, employees were repeatedly exposed to acid without adequate protective gear.

Chanda further claimed that in the open-pit mine, dust suppression was almost nonexistent, with workers lacking proper masks.

“These are blatant violations of occupational health and safety standards,” Chanda charged, adding that workers who raised concerns were allegedly silenced with threats.

He claimed Chinese managers dismissed complaints arrogantly, telling employees that “thousands are waiting outside for jobs.”

Chanda further alleged that peaceful protests had been met with dismissals, with hundreds of workers losing their jobs without cause.

“We therefore call upon the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Mines, and all relevant agencies, to urgently intervene,” Chanda urged.

He stressed that Zambia could not continue allowing foreign investors to profit from the country’s natural resources while trampling on the dignity and rights of Zambian workers.

“Zambia’s wealth should not be built on the suffering and exploitation of her people. Workers deserve living wages, safe conditions, job security, and respect,” Chanda said.

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