Unionised workers at the Times of Zambia have called off their work stoppage over their two month salary arrears.
This follows a three hour meeting chaired by Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga at his office in Lusaka today.
In attendance were Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) General Secretary Ms Angela Chishimba, ZUJ Lusaka Chapel President Mr James Muyanwa, ZUJ Southern Region Chairperson Mr Shamaoma Musonda and ZUJ Lusaka Chapel Treasurer Ms Jayne Mwanda.
The Times management team was led by Managing Director Mr Godfrey Malama, Director of Finance Mr Derrick Bwalya and acting Director of Commercial Services and Administration Ms Gertrude Kabezia.
Mr Malupenga said Government is working round the clock to ensure the workers are paid their salaries.
He observed that the problem of salaries at the Times of Zambia is symptomatic of the deep-rooted operational challenges at the company arising from years of under-capitalisation, a bloated workforce and high indebtedness.
The Permanent Secretary however re-affirmed Government’s commitment to recapitalize the Times of Zambia and other state-owned media so that they operate viably and profitably.
He implored the workers to be patient as Government explores various options to end the chronic financial challenges faced by the public media.
And Ms Chishimba thanked the Government for its commitment to resolve the salary problem at the Times of Zambia.
She said her union will work with Government in finding long term solutions to challenges affecting the state media houses.
Just close the Newspaper, people read news on their phones.
even in united states or britain they still read newspapers despite having advanced phones or whatever you can call it.
what is needed is recapitalization and to employ business oriented management
ITS NOT ABOUT PHONES OR THE INTERNET.
ITS ABOUT THE TYPE OF NEWS THEY ARE SELLING.
IT IS PREDICTABLE, BIASED,PRO-GOVT AND THEREFORE UNSALABLE.
THE RULES OF DEMAND WILL TELL U THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE CLOSED SHOP LIKE IN THE PREVIOUS REGIME.
useless , let them eat their left over unsold newspapers full of lies about the PAMAFI GOVT
This Newspaper Obsolete. Shut it down altogether!