Month: August 2024

Key Outcomes from the Special Tripartite Consultative Labour Council Meeting

Lusaka, 27^th August 2024… The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, in collaboration with key stakeholders, convened a Special Tripartite Consultative Labour Council (TCLC) meeting on 27^th August 2024 at the Mulungushi Conference Center. The meeting brought together representatives from the Government, employers, and workers to address crucial national labour matters aimed at fostering industrial harmony and economic growth.

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, M.P., emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in decision-making within the TCLC. She called upon all social partners to fully support and uphold the decisions made by the Council, noting that such collective action is essential for maintaining a stable and productive labour market in Zambia.

In her speech, Hon. Tambatamba highlighted Zambia’s commitment to the Decent Work Agenda as prescribed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), focusing on job creation, guaranteeing rights at work, extending social protection, and promoting social dialogue. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring compliance with labour laws through robust inspections and legal enforcement, particularly in response to reports of workers being denied their rights to unionize and other workplace protections.

The Minister also announced a significant initiative: the upcoming National Jobs Fair and Productivity Summit in November 2024. This event aims to bridge the gap between job supply and demand, address skills mismatches, and strategize on raising productivity levels in Zambia. The Honourable Minister called on all social partners to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the success of this crucial event.

The President of the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE), Mrs. Myra Mara Sakala Ngoma, expressed gratitude for the current peaceful industrial relations climate in Zambia. She acknowledged the commitment of unions and employers in maintaining this harmony and emphasized the importance of following legal procedures in resolving labour disputes, particularly in the transport sector. Mrs. Ngoma also commended the Government for its efforts to protect workers’ rights and urged employers to ensure compliance with social protection schemes.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President, Mr. Blake Mulala, supported the Minister’s call for stronger enforcement of labour laws. He highlighted the ongoing challenges in the transport sector, urging all parties to uphold the rights of workers and ensure fair treatment. Mr. Mulala also stressed the importance of solidarity among workers in protecting the progress made in labour rights, particularly in the face of recent legal challenges that threaten these advancements.

The 2024 Special Tripartite Consultative Labour Council Meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to maintaining industrial peace and promoting economic development in Zambia. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, along with the Zambia Federation of Employers and the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, remains dedicated to ensuring that the Zambian labour market continues to thrive through cooperation, dialogue, and strict adherence to labour laws.

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TCLC Speech August 2024 FINAL1

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says understanding labour market trends is critical for effective skills identification and anticipation.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Zachariah Luhanga noted that government takes cognizant that investing in education and training infrastructure as a fundamental for quality education for all citizens.

He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Labour Commissioner, Givens Muntengwa at the skills advisory committee meeting held in Kafue.

Mr. Luhanga disclosed that government through his ministry in consultation with social partners and other relevant stakeholders created a legal framework for the establishment of the skills advisory committee essential to the advancement of the country.

He acknowledged that policies support skills development and employment are created to address the issue of skills gap and mismatches in industries.

Mr. Luhanga added that this calls for the alignment of educational institutions’ curricula with what the industry requires.

Meanwhile, the International Labour Organization (ILO) says it stands ready to support interventions towards skills development, saying that there is an urgent need to narrow the skills gaps and mismatches in the country.

ILO’s European Union (EU) funded International Labour Organization’s Skills Development for Increased Employability (SDEP) Chief Technical Advisor Todin Marecha said the inclusion of more players and the establishment and support of the sectors skills committees would help in the production of critical skills list and skills anticipation.