Government Calls for Protection of Workers under US Funded Projects

Lusaka, 7th February 2025…AS USAID programs shut down in Zambia today, Government has urged the United States of America to ensure that affected workers under the USAID programs are not treated in discordance with the provisions of the Employment Code Act No.3 of 2019.

The Trump administration upon retaining power last month, ordered the shutdown of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs worldwide effective today.

During a courtesy visit paid by U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Micheal Gonzales yesterday, Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba (MP) appreciated the US government for exempting about 16, 000 workers implementing life-saving humanitarian programs.

Ms. Tambatamba indicated that the waiver on humanitarian assistance programs was a sigh of relief; especially that government is making a positive stride towards economic transformation through job creation.

“The Employment Code Act outlines procedure of how workers under the USAID programs ought to be sustained during the review period,” said Ms.Tambatamba.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa said during the 90-day period, some of the options to be considered include forced leave with basic pay to allow for the completeness of the review process.

“The one that will not apply is leave without pay, which arises during liquidity problems, which is not the case. The organizations, (NGOs) have funds in their accounts, which might not apply. There will be many people who will be out of employment arising from the discontinuation of these projects,” said Mr Muntengwa.

And Ambassador Gonzales said the situation was novel hence, it will be up to the implementing partner to decide on how they part with workers.

He assured the government that the workers under the USAID programs would be paid and following the review, the Government will be communicated to if the programs will continue or not.

“We fund the salaries of about 16, 000 health care workers across Zambia. The waiver does allow for the employment and payment of salaries for those who are supporting the programs (care and treatment staff) so that we can continue,” said Ambassador Gonzales.

Issued by:

Mwaka Ndawa (Ms)

Principal Public Relations Officer