The recent parking of more than 60 fuel-laden trucks in Ndola and Lusaka has raised concerns over fuel supply disruptions, with Khalif Motors linking the protest to the influence of the Zambia Union of Tanker Drivers and Allied Workers.
The incident, which sparked tension between the company and the union, has since been taken to court as both sides accuse each other of bad faith and intimidation.
Khalif Motors General Manager Ibrahim Khalif condemned the protest, describing it as sabotage against the Zambian economy.
He said while workers and unions have a right to air grievances, disrupting business and putting national fuel supplies at risk could not be justified.
But Union General Secretary John Changwe accused management of hostility and intimidation towards its members, saying the company routinely ignores concerns raised by drivers over conditions of service.
Mr. Changwe further says the company is also in a tendance of taking workers especially drivers who record loses before any investigations are carries out
Meanwhile Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa who visited the company has called for calm and urging both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He warned that continued mistrust between employers and unions was undermining industrial harmony and hurting the economy.
By Lovemore Sondashi
