WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK REGISTRATION LINK

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Join us for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025
🗓 Date: Monday, 28th April 2025
📍 Venue: Sentinal School Ground, First Quantum Minerals (FQM), Kalumbila District
🎯 Theme: “Revolutionizing Health and Safety – The Role of AI and Digitalization”
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Let’s work together for a safer, smarter labour market. 🇿🇲

Safety Awareness Ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The integrated safety sensitization at City Mall, Solwezi on 25th April 2025 marked a powerful step in our build-up activities for the World Day for Safety and Health at work (28th May, 2025), bringing together motorbike and bicycle riders, road safety agencies, and labour stakeholders to raise awareness on the importance of safety for workers whose livelihoods depend on being on the road.

Through information sharing, innovation, and practical support, we continue working towards safer, more inclusive work environments.

Special thanks to the North Western Motor Bikers Association, RTSA, Zambia Police, WCFCB, ZOHSA, and the MLSS team for their collaboration and dedication.

 

Ministry of Labour launches Digital Strategy, incorporates 29 services on the Zamportal

The ministry of Labour and Social Security yesterday launched its digital strategy 2024 -2026 and on-boarded 29 key Ministry services on the Government Service Bus (GSB), which streamlines public service delivery across all institutions.
The digitized services on the Government Service Bus will be effectively administered on the Zambia Employment and Labour Management System (ZELMIS).
The integration of the services on the Government Service Bus, will now allow citizens to access services on the digital Government portal through their phones or computers in real time.
Speaking when she launched the digital strategy and onboarding the Ministry’s services, Ms. Tambatamba said the strategy outlines the Ministry’s vision to drive innovation and efficiency on the Labour market, through the timely provision of information using technology.
“It will transform the revenue collection process making it more efficient, transparent and accessible, ultimately leading to increased revenue for the Government. The GSB lowers the operational costs associated with revenue Collection,” the Minister said.
Ms. Tambatamba said the integration of the Ministry’s services on the Government Service Bus will improve efficiency and productivity, which will lead to economic transformation in line with the digital transformation agenda outlined in the Eight National Development Plan (8thNDP).
She said the integration of the services on the digital platform will cut down on corruption and widen the Ministry’s Outreach in the 116 districts as it is only present in 54 districts.
“One of the standout features of this service is its focus on inclusivity, particularly for individuals living in remote or underserved areas. The Government Service Bus will bridge the gap between these communities ensuring everyone has a chance to benefit from labour resources and support,” said Ms. Tambatamba.
“By automating payment processes and reducing direct interactions between citizens and Government officials, the GSB minimizes opportunities for corruption. This ensures that all payments are properly recorded and accounted for leading to increased revenue collection.”
Ministry of Labour and Social Security Permanent Secretary Zechariah Luhanga said digital supervision will see a reduction of audit queries regarding invoices, receipts and banking.
Smart Zambia Institute National Coordinator Percy Chinyama, said the digitization of the Ministry’s services will boost economic growth, thereby reducing on the country’s corruption perception index.
Director Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, Hector Sampa who represented the accountant general, said the digitization of the services will lessen the mismanagement of public funds and reduce the burden on the printing of government receipts.
The Zampay allows the securing and monitoring of digital payments,” said Mr Sampa.
And the Ministry’s acting director ICT, Grace Mauka said citizens will be served more efficiently with the digitization of the services.

MINISTRY OF LABOUR SECURES PAYMENT FOR YOUNG PHIROZ WORKERS

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS STATEMENT
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
MINISTRY OF LABOUR SECURES PAYMENT FOR YOUNG PHIROZ WORKERS
Lusaka, 14th April, 2025…The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has stepped in to help 94
workers of Young Phiroz General Dealers to collect their redundancy packages, after the two parties went separate ways due to contract change.
About three weeks ago, the workers lodged a complaint against their employer, demanding their dues for the previous contracts prior to signing the newly introduced contracts.
To protect the workers’ rights, Young Phiroz General Dealers was summoned by the Ministry and a meeting was held with its employees, and the parties were guided in reference to Section 23(2) of the Employment Code Act which allows employers to seek consent from their workers, where alterations are made to a written contract to reflect the changes.
The provision allows workers to either consent or disapprove of the revised terms. In an event that the worker does not agree to the contractual terms, Section 55(1)(c) of the Employment Code Act (ECA) states that; an employer is considered to have terminated the contract of employment for their employee by reason of redundancy, if the separation is based on the alteration of the employee’s contract, which they have not consented to.
The workers did not accept the alterations implemented by their employer and were as a result, declared redundant.
A computation of the redundancy packages was done by the Ministry, pursuant to Section 55(3) (a) of the Employment Code Act, which totaled to K1, 128, 590.87 and Young Phiroz General Dealers committed to liquidate the amount in three installments.
The first installment amounting to K545, 274. 43 was paid on April 12, 2025.
Workers with outstanding dues below K9, 000 have been fully paid, while those with dues amounting to more than K10, 000 will be paid in two installments with the first payment being K5000, and the second payment will be made on May 12, 2025.
The workers have since expressed gratitude for the timely intervention by Government in helping them to collect their redundancy packages.
This case sets an example to employers who are in the habit of exploiting workers. As Government, we will see to it that workers receive their rightful dues as agreed upon.
The affected workers will in due course be provided with mentorship under the newly introduced ‘Productivity Clinic’ by the National Productivity Development Department (NPDD) to help them smoothly transition to new forms of livelihood.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer

EMPLOYERS MUST MEET MINIMUM WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY
PRESS STATEMENT
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
EMPLOYERS MUST MEET MINIMUM WAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS
Lusaka, 11th April, 2025… As the new minimum wages for Buses and Truck drivers take effect today, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security urges employers across all industries to ensure compliance.
As we continue to drive an equitable work environment, we appeal to all employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees by adhering to the minimum wage regulations.
On January 16, 2025, Government increased the minimum wages with K1000, for truck drivers and K800 for bus drivers through Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2025.
The Basic Minimum wages stand at, K3000 from K2, 200 for bus drivers and K4, 000 from K3, 000 for Truck drivers.
Cross border subsistence allowances stand at US$30 per night, for drivers operating vehicles without sleeping cabins and US$20 per night for drivers operating vehicles that have a sleeping cabin.
The new wages only apply to non-unionized workers who operate public service vehicles (PSV).
Employers are therefore required to review their pay structure to reflect the new minimum wage rates. This will undoubtedly enhance productivity among workers, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Workers should also be informed about the changes in a transparent manner.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security will conduct integrated inspections with Statutory Bodies to ensure compliance with the law. Therefore, non-compliance with minimum wage regulations will lead to sanctions.
Issued by:
Mwaka Ndawa (MS)
Principal Public Relations Officer
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President Hichilema Reaffirms Bold Step To Spur Economic Growth and Job Creation

President Hakainde Hichilema says the New Dawn Administration will strengthen local industries in order to promote economic growth.
Speaking during the labour day celebrations on May 1,2025 held in Mansa at Kaole stadium, under the theme: “Shaping Zambia’s Future of Work through home grown Solutions for Inclusive Economic Growth,” The Head of State said Government is devoted to promoting economic growth as it procreates jobs.
President Hichilema commended workers for their resilience and lauded employers,for improving the livelihood of workers when the
country experienced the worst drought.
“I would like to appreciate you for carrying the country through, during the worst drought in the country of Zambia. The fact that we were are able to grow our GDP from 2% to 4% is mbecause miners worked hard by increasing production. Workers in the tourism and private sector, you worked hard to contributing to the economy,” the President said.
“We will continue working to grow the economy, we know growth will breed more job opportunities. Your government will continue to work to lower the cost of living, to lower the cost of doing business.”
President Hichilema indicated that Government will reform the pension scheme to enhance benefits. He said the New Dawn Administration extended the NAPSA penalty waiver, to ease compliance during the decline in economic activities that were experienced during the drought.
The ahead of State said Zambia is now used as a yardstick, for providing a safety net for workers with progressive social security policies such as the 20% partial withdraw, whilst keeping the National Pensions Scheme Authority afloat.
President Hichilema made a clarion call employers, employees and Government to promote Tripartism through dialogue.
“Government employers and Unions must dialogue together. Let’s solve our problems not shouting in the streets, not shouting on social media,” he said.
The Head of State urged employers to adhere to the minimum wage requirements for Bus and Truck drivers, which came into effect on April 10, 2025 and allow workers to register with unions of their choice.
He also indicated that Government is committed to creating safe and decent work places, and Zambia has since ratified Convention 190, which protects workers against violence, discrimination and harassment.
The President urged the workforce to be productive, in order to produce more and spur economic growth.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba (MP) said Government will create jobs within the Ministry, by expand the number of labour officers and recruit call centre agents, upon receiving treasury authority.
She said to increase engagement with the public, the Ministry has onboarded 29 services on the Government Service Bus(GSB), and the public can connect with the Ministry through the Citizens Support Services portal, for a timely response to their concerns and grievances.
Luapula Province minister Eng. Nason Musonda said the hosting of the Labour day celebrations in the province was historic,and a testament to the New Dawn administration’s commitment to inclusive development, equitable opportunities, and home grown solutions that drive the nation forward.
International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office, Officer-in-charge for Zambia Malawi and Mozambique, Todini Marecha commended Zambia for the 4% growth in Gross Domestic Products, despite the drought and energy deficit that the country experienced in the recent years.
Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) president Maira Ngoma says the youth ought to be engaged in policy and programming, to promote social dialogue and tripartism.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Blake Mulala called for concerted efforts in the fight against corruption.
The event concluded with employers being rewarded for their outstanding performance. Among the awardees are; Senior labor officer in Luapula Province, Nchimunya Abubakar, Senior Labour Inspector at Lusaka Headquarters, Ian Kayelu, Mubanga Geoffrey and Wokers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) accounts assistant for Mansa Branch, Ketiwe Chimponda. The National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) was awarded the best dressed.