The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has raised concerns over the rising cost of living, shrinking real wages, job insecurity, and persistent violations of workers’ rights, warning that economic recovery has not translated into improved livelihoods for ordinary Zambians.
Delivering the end-of-year press briefing, ZCTU President Blake Mulala said that despite macro-economic gains such as debt restructuring and engagement with the International Monetary Fund, workers continue to struggle with high prices of basic commodities, electricity shortages, weak collective bargaining outcomes, and the growing informalisation of labour.
Mr Mulala noted that the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a family of five in Lusaka had risen above ZMW 11,000 by November, far outpacing wages, as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
He also cited retrenchments, casualisation of labour, and private-sector union busting as major threats to decent work and social stability.
ZCTU further expressed concern over delayed and constrained collective bargaining in the public service, unresolved pension and NAPSA reforms, governance challenges at NHIMA, and the impact of load shedding on jobs, businesses, and household welfare.
While acknowledging Zambia’s political stability and recent constitutional debates following the passage of Bill 7, the labour movement stressed that democracy must deliver economic justice and meaningful social dialogue for workers.
The federation has since called on the government to prioritise pro-worker policies in 2026, including stronger social dialogue, respect for collective bargaining, protection of the right to organise, pension reforms, decisive action on electricity supply, and a tougher fight against corruption, insisting that growth without improved livelihoods cannot be called inclusive development.
By Victoria Kayeye Yamban
