11 July, 2008IMF calls on management at Kasese Cobalt to resume contract negotiations and reinstate 116 workers unfairly dismissed for demonstrating outside of administration offices.
UGANDA: The Uganda Mines, Metal and Allied Workers' Union, representing workers at Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd. are seeking reinstatement for 116 workers who were fired after participating in a demonstration demanding management conduct negotiations openly and fairly.
Kasese management fired the workers despite two official rulings from the Labour Commissioner and the Ministry of Labour calling for their reinstatement.
In March, negotiations between the union and local management over 2008 salary increases grew tense when management refused to honour a mediator's decision for a 17 per cent increase across the board. In June, workers demonstrated in front of administrative offices demanding information regarding their salaries. All 116 workers who participated in the demonstration were fired. The union reports that the company has hired Kenyan replacement workers who are subjected to work under harsh terms and conditions.
The International Metalworkers' Federation is calling on Kasese management to immediately reinstate the unfairly dismissed workers and to resume contract negotiations openly and fairly. In a letter written to Kasese general manager Rob Jennings, Marcello Malentacchi, IMF general secretary said, "IMF affiliates are aware of the situation at Kasese Cobalt Company Ltd and are following the case with great interest. Should KCCL management continue to violate workers' rights and undermine contract bargaining with the union, the IMF is prepared to take further action at the international level."
Click here, to send a letter to Kasese management calling on them to reinstate the 116 workers and to bargain in good faith.
Click here, to send a solidarity letter to the Uganda Mines, Metal and Allied Workers' Union.