UPND WILL PROTECT TANKER DRIVERS, VOWS MWIINDE
The UPND has and will always keep working towards the protection of the interests and promotion of the welfare of tanker and dangerous goods drivers, UPND deputy Youth Chairperson for Political Affairs, Trevor Mwiinde has assured the Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers Association and Allied Workers-ZUTADAW.
Shortly after a round table engagement with a contingent of the rank and file from the association, Mr Mwiinde said the UPND, having been ushered into office on the premise of, among others, the welfare of tanker drivers, remains committed to actualizing its promise.
Mwiinde said he was aware of the various challenges that tanker drivers were facing and that his office would ensure that such issues were conclusively addressed.
“We as the UPND remains committed and resolved to uphold the promises that we made during the 2021 general elections campaigns when we assured tanker drivers of our unwavering support. We are aware of the various challenges that truck drivers face. One of the major challenges tanker drivers and drivers of dangerous goods face is one were foreign nationals are employed by oil marketing companies at the expense of experienced tanker drivers. We are also alive to heightened abuse of tanker drivers in the work places,” remarked Mwiinde.
He said in order to address the issues bordering on foreign nationals being accorded preferential treatment at the expense of Zambian tanker drivers, Mr Mwiinde said his office would engage the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“We are also aware that some companies have been formulating prohibitive conditions of service for their workers. These conditions have made it very difficult for most tanker drivers to earn a decent wage. This too, will be looked into conclusively. And because we understand the stress that Zambian tanker drivers go through as a result of these unfavourable conditions of service, we will ensure that they are treated with dignity,” assured Mwiinde.
He warned foreign investors to desist from using their investment as a vehicle to abuse and maltreat Zambian drivers.
“We wish to warn foreigners who are in the habit of using their investment as a weapon for mistreating Zambians. Much as we appreciate the investment, the same should not be used to abuse and mistreat or abuse Zambians,” warned Mwiinde.
UPND MEDIA TEAM