Government Tightens Rules On Trade Union Registration

Lusaka, Zambia 14th May, 2026-In a bid to strengthen effective workers’ representation, Government has moved to discourage fragmentation in the labour movement through the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2026, which introduces new measures aimed at promoting unity, accountability, and coordinated solutions within trade unions across the country.

The new regulations, signed by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, issued under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, introduce stricter conditions for the registration of trade unions, a decisive move aimed at addressing the growing proliferation of unions.

The Statutory Instrument was promulgated following broad consultations with trade unions and employers, who expressed concern over increasing fragmentation within the labour movement, noting that some individuals were prioritising personal interests over the welfare and representation of workers.

Government believes that through solidarity, coordination, and collective action, the labour movement can achieve greater results than through fragmented and isolated voices.

The reforms are also in line with the Constitution of Zambia, which allows for reasonable conditions in the registration and regulation of unions, while remaining in conformity with accepted International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards on freedom of association and the right to organise.

Groups seeking to register a trade union will now be required to secure support from at least two unions within the same sector and two unions outside the sector before registration can be granted. The reforms are designed to promote unity, sector coordination, and genuine representation of workers.

Government has also moved to strengthen integrity standards within the labour movement by barring individuals linked to financial misconduct, dishonesty, abuse of union funds, bankruptcy, legal disqualification, or repeated union fragmentation from participating in the registration of new unions.

The regulations further stop the re-registration of de-registered unions whose cancellation resulted from misconduct by union leadership, reinforcing Government’s commitment to accountability and responsible union governance.

The Ministry would like to make it clear that the reforms are not intended to restrict freedom of association, but rather to strengthen the integrity, stability, and effectiveness of trade unions in representing workers’ interests. The regulations also provide flexibility for emerging sectors that do not yet have existing trade unions.

Government remains devoted to protecting workers’ rights and freedom of association while ensuring that the labour movement remains organised, credible, and responsive to the interests of employees across the country.

Issued By:

Mwaka Ndawa(MS)

Principal Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Labour and Social Security