THE recent meetings between Patriotic Front (PF) faction presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile and the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) on the Copperbelt raise serious ethical and political questions.
What exactly was the motive behind this cosy engagement with the opposition when the government, which is the rightful custodian of workers’ welfare, has already addressed the bulk of the union’s concerns?
Last week’s dark corner meeting between MUZ and Mundubile cannot be said to be just a casual engagement. The meeting smacks of political flirtation and double-dealing. 
Let’s be clear, unions are supposed to be non-partisan advocates for their members, not political tools for opposition posturing.
The government has met most of the demands the union previously raised, from stabilising operations in key mines to safeguarding jobs and improving wage negotiations. So, what business does the union have in secretly entertaining opposition figures who have no authority to make or implement policy?
This kind of “double standard” behaviour erodes trust and undermines the credibility of the union movement.
Workers deserve transparent representation, not hidden political dealings.
If the MUZ has grievances, the appropriate platform is government, not opposition offices looking to score political mileage from workers’ struggles.
By aligning, even informally, with the opposition, the union risks alienating the very administration that has been working to stabilise the mining sector after years of turbulence.
It sends the wrong signal that union leaders are more interested in political theatrics than the bread-and-butter issues affecting their members.
It’s time for the Mine Workers Union to choose its lane: either stand firm as a legitimate workers’ body championing miners’ interests or continue playing dangerous double standard politics that could backfire.
The miners deserve clarity, not confusion.
