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GOVERNMENT CAUTIONS AGAINST THE UNDERPAYING OF NON-UNIONIZED WORKERS.

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY

 

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNMENT CAUTIONS AGAINST THE UNDERPAYING OF NON-UNIONIZED WORKERS.

 

Lusaka, 16th January, 2025… To protect vulnerable employees and keep pace with the cost of living, Government through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has increased the minimum wages for bus and truck drivers with a K1,000 and K800.

The buses are those which are public service vehicles licensed to carry 40 or more passengers while the trucks are those public service vehicles licensed to carry goods.

Announcing the new minimum wages on January 16, 2025, Minister of Labour and Social Security honourable Brenda Tambatamba indicated that bus drivers will no longer be earning K2, 200 as their basic pay, but will now be earning K3, 000, while truck drivers will now be paid K4,000 as their basic pay from K3,000.

Government had noted that the conditions for drivers were not promising and resolved to revise the minimum wages and its resolve was communicated to stakeholders in the transportation sector by the Labour commissioner, Mr. Givens Muntengwa, on December 31, 2024, following the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) meeting that was held to revise the minimum wages for bus and truck drivers.

During the stakeholder engagement, Zambia congress of trade unions president, Blake Mulala, expressed worry with the non-compliance of minimum wages.

Stakeholders were hopeful that the wages would help to mitigate disputes in the transport sector.

The revised wages were approved by cabinet following a plea by workers after considering submissions from stakeholders.

This will cater for the vulnerable employees who are not affiliated to any union and who earn less wages set out in the minimum wage orders and do not affect unionized drivers earning good wages.

Honourable Tambatamba said that the revision of the salaries for bus and truck drivers is contained in Statutory Instrument No.3 of 2025 as published in the Government gazette on January 10, 2025 and will take effect on April 10, 2025.

Cross-border subsistence allowances have also been increased by Five Dollars (US$5).

Allowances have been increased from US$25 per night to US$30 per night in an event where the truck does not have a sleeping cabin.

In instances where the truck has a sleeping cabin, an allowance of US$20 per night will be allotted to the driver instead of US$15 per night.

Paragraph (2) of section of the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment (truck and bus drivers) Order, SI No. 106 of 2020 was also amended to expand the list of dangerous goods which now includes; explosives, flammable gases and liquids as well as flammable solids, oxidizing substances; toxic substances; infectious substances and radioactive substances.

The bus and truck drivers’ wages were introduced in 2020 under the new Employment Code Act and were last reviewed in 2022.

Honorable Tambatamba has cautioned employers against paying non-unionized workers below the minimum wages and conditions of employment.

On the other hand, she emphasized the need for employers to allow workers to be part of unions and engage in collective bargaining processes.

 

Issued by:

(Official copy signed)

Mwaka Ndawa (Miss)

Principal Public Relations Officer.

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Driving Economic Growth Through Talent Localization: A China-Zambia Collaboration

Here are the highlights from the speech delivered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga, at the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) and Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia (ACCZ) Seminar, 27th December, 2024:

  • The seminar focused on “Localisation of Talent Resources to Promote China-Zambia Economic and Trade Development,” addressing employer and employee challenges in labour management.
  • The Permanent Secretary emphasized the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment environment, recognizing the role of private sector investments, particularly by Chinese businesses, in job creation, skills development, and economic transformation.
  • Employers, especially Chinese companies, were urged to adhere to labour laws, with specific attention to providing safe working conditions, issuing employment contracts, and allowing unionization.
  • Businesses were encouraged to register human resource staff with the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Management (ZIHRM) to reduce labour law misunderstandings and promote ethical business practices.
  • Participants were called to collaborate with the Government to address climate-related challenges affecting businesses and to build resilient production systems.
  • Social partners and associations were urged to organize more workshops to enhance dialogue between government and businesses, fostering compliance and cooperation for increased productivity.
  • Strong support was requested for government anti-corruption efforts, promoting transparency in business practices.
  • Participants were encouraged to actively engage in discussions and share ideas to strengthen employer-employee relationships and promote sustainable economic growth.

The speech concluded with the official opening of the workshop, reaffirming a shared commitment to ethical, productive, and transformative business practices.

ACCZ president 演讲Mr Liao’s Speech 27.12.2024 SG remarks at ZFE SPEECH BY PS MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY -ZFE – ACCZ WORKSHOP – 27 DECEMBER 2024

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MLSS AND CIJ SIGN MOU

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, gave a speech during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ). The speech expressed the following highlights:
He emphasized the MOU’s focus on law reform, capacity building initiatives, and exchange of legal knowledge to enhance public governance and achieve sustainable development.
Cabinet approval for the amendment of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act and the Employment Code Act was mentioned as part of ongoing legal reforms.
He noted that an action plan for revising the two acts has been developed, with completion expected within six months.
The Chandler Institute recently trained legal officers from the Ministry in legislative drafting, which is expected to positively impact ministerial deliverables.
Mr. Luhanga detailed the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, emphasizing its alignment with ILO Convention 87 and its role in promoting workers’ rights, dispute resolution, and social dialogue.
The Employment Code Act was outlined as addressing workplace discrimination, employee entitlements, protection of wages, employment policies, and regulation of child labourChandler MOU Speech (1).
He underscored the importance of these laws in improving productivity, resolving skills mismatches, and fostering industrial harmony.
The Acting Permanent Secretary concluded by thanking the Chandler Institute of Justice for their support and partnership in achieving these milestones.
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SKILLS, PRODUCTIVITY AND JOBS SUMMIT PAVES THE WAY FOR TRANSFORMATION

The National Skills, Productivity and Jobs Summit comes to a successful conclusion.
During the closing remarks, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, expressed her deep gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and organizers of the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit for their active engagement and contributions.
– She emphasized the critical role of the Summit in addressing Zambia’s core challenges, including skills mismatches, unemployment, and low productivity, and its significance in shaping a roadmap for economic transformation.
– The Minister highlighted key achievements of the Summit, including:
• Strengthened collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society.
• Identification of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digitalization as pivotal elements for economic progress.
• Acknowledgment of youth and human capital as drivers of sustainable development.
– She urged the private sector to actively invest in mentorship and skills development initiatives and called on educational institutions to align curricula with market demands to meet current economic needs.
– The Minister commended the role of cooperating partners in supporting government efforts and encouraged their continued involvement to foster the progress discussed during the Summit.
– She reassured participants of the Ministry’s commitment to:
• Creating conducive environments for job creation and skills enhancement.
• Driving innovation, productivity, and equity in opportunities.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the policies and strategies identified.
– Hon. Tambatamba envisioned the Summit as a turning point for Zambia’s sustainable growth, suggesting its institutionalization as an annual event to track progress and foster collective action.
– In closing, she expressed optimism that with unified efforts, Zambia can achieve a prosperous future driven by a skilled and innovative workforce.
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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA OFFICIALLY OPENS THE NATIONAL SKILLS, PRODUCTIVITY AND JOBS SUMMIT

03rd December 2024… President Hakainde Hichilema addressed the Summit, in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, he emphasized Zambia’s focus on bridging skills gaps, boosting productivity, and creating decent jobs. Key highlights from the speech include:
• President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit as a critical step in addressing Zambia’s economic challenges and fostering job creation, skills development, and productivity growth.
• He emphasized the importance of linking job seekers with employers, both locally and internationally, and improving skills to meet industry demands through internships, apprenticeships, and industrial attachments.
• The President stressed the need for technical and vocational education (TVET) and STEM fields to prepare the workforce for modern economic demands.
• Acknowledging Zambia’s surplus of skilled labour, particularly in education and health, he advocated exporting labour to reduce unemployment and boost global influence.
• He outlined the government’s focus on creating sustainable, decent jobs in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and IT.
• President Hichilema underlined the role of productivity as central to economic transformation and called for stronger collaboration among government, private sector, and educational institutions.
• He announced initiatives such as the Zambia National Service Skills Development Program and enhanced ICT access to equip citizens with digital and entrepreneurial skills.
• The speech also highlighted achievements in free education, construction of classroom blocks, and partnerships with the private sector to expand training opportunities.
• In conclusion, he called for stakeholders to turn summit discussions into actionable strategies for empowering citizens, improving productivity, and ensuring no one is left behind in Zambia’s development journey.
Below are some picture highlights from day 1 of the event.
Let’s turn discussions into action for a productive Zambia where no one is left behind.
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Ministry of Labour Staff Embrace Tradition and Cleanliness to Commemorate Zambia @ 60

As Zambia celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary on 24th October 2024, staff members at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security are marking this milestone in a unique and meaningful way. In line with the celebration’s theme, “60 Years Strong; Honouring Our Heritage, Embracing the Future,” the staff have committed to wearing traditional outfits every week and participating in the “Keep Zambia Clean, Green, and Healthy” campaign as part of the commemorations for Zambia @ 60.
The initiative not only reflects the pride in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage but also supports the Government’s efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability across the country. By donning traditional attire, Ministry employees are showcasing Zambia’s diverse cultural identity, from the vibrant chitenge fabrics to other iconic garments that represent various regions and ethnic groups. This act of cultural expression serves as a reminder of the nation’s unity in diversity and its journey towards development over the past 60 years.
As Zambia @ 60 celebrations continue the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s weekly activities serve as a vibrant reminder of the country’s cultural richness and the collective responsibility to improve our country, embodying the true spirit of independence.
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Official Launch of the 10th ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival at OYDC

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda M. Tambatamba, officially opened the 10th ZUFIAW Annual Sports Festival at OYDC in Lusaka today. The speech delivered by the Minister highlighted the importance of a healthy workplace and a healthy worker with the following highlights:
• The festival’s theme, “Championing a Collaborative and Healthy Working Environment in the Delivery of Financial Services for Economic Growth,” aligns with the Government’s vision of fostering a progressive, healthy, happier, and productive workforce in Zambia.
• The Minister emphasized the critical link between the quality of the working environment and the broader economic outcomes, underscoring that collaborative and healthy workplaces are key to ensuring employees are motivated and engaged to deliver high-quality services.
• The festival symbolizes unity, teamwork, and individual well-being, values crucial for Zambia’s national development.
• The Minister highlighted the role of sports in promoting physical and mental health, which is important in all areas of human activity.
• Employers and trade unions were urged to develop and implement policies promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for workers through events like the sports festival.
• The Government reaffirmed its commitment to sports development due to its critical role in uniting the country, creating employment, and contributing to economic development.
• The Minister encouraged the application of teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication—principles learned through sports—to the workplace, fostering a healthy working environment where every person feels valued and motivated.
• The Minister officially declared the 10th ZUFIAW Sports Festival open, encouraging participants to engage actively and embrace the festival’s lessons.
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The launch of the Human Resource Excellence Awards

Honourable Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, Minister of Labour and Social at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.

In the speech, the Minister:
– Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting best practices in human resource management.
– Discusses the role of human resources in shaping the workforce and emphasizes the significance of nurturing and empowering employees.
– Highlights the Government’s support for the initiative and its commitment to creating a world-class labour market.
– Encourages the organizers, sponsors, and partners involved in the awards and stresses the role of human resources in driving organizational culture, values, innovation, growth, and profitability.
– Concludes with a call to acknowledge excellence in human capital management and visionary leadership through the Human Resource Excellence Awards.

Security, delivered a speech at the l

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AfriSAFE 2024

This Year Zambia is hosting the AfriSAFE Awards which will happen in November of 2024. AfriSAFE 2024 will attract over 15, 000 delegates from various countries in a two-day event.
As we look forward to this great opportunity let us remember that the Safety of Workers at work should be top priority at every workplace, whether in a domestic, office, farm or industrial setting.
Today, don’t miss an exclusive interview with the CEO of AfriSAFE, Femi Da-Silva, where he will be sharing valuable insights about the prestigious AfriSAFE Awards and Africa Safety Congress.
Mark your calendar for August 1, 2024, at 13:00hrs (Zambian Time) or 12:00hrs (Nigerian Time). Don’t miss out – subscribe and hit the notification bell using the link below to be promptly notified when the interview begins.

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Touring Chilenje Level 1 Hospital

 

Hon.Brenda Tambatamba accompanied by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Zechariah Luhanga and officials from NHIMA its Body Members representatives touring Chilenje Level 1 hospital while interacting with the public on the accebility of NHIMA in a bid to improve service delivery