Govt calls on labour unions to propose changes to trade regulations

The Zambian government has called on the labour movement to propose amendments to the Labour and Industrial Relations Act to curb the proliferation of trade unions.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, said the rising number of unions had weakened their collective bargaining power, emphasizing that the labour movement must take the lead in shaping regulations.

Speaking at the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) annual congress in Lusaka on Wednesday, Tambatamba attributed the fragmentation of unions to the failure of mother bodies to propose effective registration policies.

“Regarding the regulation of trade unions, the government has emphasized that it is up to the unions themselves to propose changes to the law,” she said.

She cited the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 87, which Zambia has ratified, affirming workers’ rights to form and join unions while promoting self-regulation within the labour movement.

Tambatamba stressed that government intervention without union input could be seen as infringing on workers’ rights.

However, she assured that the government would not interfere in union operations but encouraged a unified labour front to enhance bargaining power.

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“The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions has played a pivotal role in maintaining industrial harmony, with over 400 collective agreements approved and registered in 2024,” she noted.

ZCTU president, Blake Mulala, echoed Tambatamba’s concerns, affirming that the union mother body would ensure meaningful submissions to address union fragmentation.

“A unified labour movement will be better equipped to negotiate collective agreements and advocate for workers’ rights,” Mulala said.

The government and labour leaders will collaborate on refining policies and legislation, welcoming input from all stakeholders to strengthen the labour movement.

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