PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release) AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AVIATION SECURITY, ECZ SERVICES, TOLL AND WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATIONS CLASSIFIED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AVIATION SECURITY, ECZ SERVICES, TOLL AND WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATIONS CLASSIFIED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES

Lusaka, Zambia 2nd June, 2026- The Ministry of Labour and Social Security wishes to inform the general public that the designation of air traffic control services, civil aviation security, electoral services offered by employees of Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), toll point and weighbridge operations and the supply and distribution of petroleum services as essential, has taken effect following the gazetting of Statutory Instrument No.47 of 2026.

The Statutory Instrument, cited as the Industrial and Labour Relations (Essential Service) (Declaration) Order, 2026, signed by the-then Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, was issued pursuant to Section 107(10)(g) of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, Cap. 269 of the Laws of Zambia, following Cabinet’s approval at its 9th Meeting held on 14th May 2026.

Government’s decision to declare such services as essential, followed extensive consultations with social partners through the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council, recognizing the critical role that workers in these categories play in safeguarding the nation’s peace, democracy, and the smooth functioning of the economy.

The declaration is intended to protect workers’ rights while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of critical services that are essential to maintaining economic stability and basic societal functions, particularly during emergencies such as pandemics, natural disasters, or national crises, facilitating the movement of goods and services, supporting the collection of toll fees for maintenance, to protect road infrastructure and enhance road safety and the management of free, fair, and credible elections, which form the foundation of Zambia’s democratic governance.

Government would like to urge employers operating in sectors declared as essential to identify employees designated to perform essential services and issue them with Essential Service Certificates in accordance with the law. These certificates will serve as official recognition of the employee’s status in facilitating uninterrupted provision of essential services during periods of industrial disputes or other circumstances requiring the maintenance of minimum service levels.

In accordance with the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, disputes arising from essential services should be referred to the Industrial Relations Court for speedy resolution.

Employees designated as essential service workers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

Issued By:

(Original Copy Signed)

Mwaka Ndawa (MS)

Principal Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Labour and Social Security