NHRTI WORKERS BEGIN INDEFINITE SIT IN OVER SALARIES AND TERMINAL BENEFITS

Home News Home Affairs

Posted by admin on December 18, 2025 at 5:03 AM

Share: Visits: 1199

---

Unionised workers at the National Health Research and Training Institute (NHRTI)—formerly the Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC)—have launched an indefinite sit‑in protest, accusing management of failing to adjust their salaries for three years and paying terminal benefits using outdated 2012 salary scales.

The workers, represented by the University of Zambia and Allied Workers Union (UNZAAWU), say stagnant wages amid rising living costs have pushed them into financial distress.

UNZAAWU Deputy General Secretary Richard Hanguwa said employees had exhausted all avenues of dialogue, leaving them with no choice but to take peaceful industrial action.

He said the cost of living—driven by inflation, rising food prices, transport costs, rentals and school fees—has continued to climb while salaries have remained unchanged.

“It is demoralising that professionals contributing to national health research and training are subjected to economic hardship,” Hanguwa said.

He demanded that terminal benefits be paid using current salary rates, calling the use of 2012 scales “unjust and unacceptable.” Hanguwa also urged management to immediately implement the Government transport allowance, describing transport as a basic necessity for productivity.

NHRTI UNZAAWU Branch Chairperson Thomas Banda said workers would continue reporting for duty but would not perform any work until their grievances are addressed.

He added that despite alleged intimidation and threats of disciplinary action, the union would not back down.

NHRTI Director General Dr. Gershom Chongwe expressed concern over the sit‑in and urged workers to resume their duties.

He assured staff that management is actively addressing the issues raised and called for patience as internal processes continue.