UFEZ REBUTS MP CHANDA’S CALL FOR NEW TRANSPORT SECTOR DIALOGUE PLATFORM

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Posted by admin on August 19, 2025 at 4:29 AM

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The United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has pushed back against recent remarks by Kanchibiya Member of Parliament, Hon. Sunday Chanda, who called for the creation of a tripartite dialogue platform to address grievances in the transport sector.

In a press release issued today, UFEZ President Humphrey Monde described the proposal as “misinformed,” citing existing frameworks already in place under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

Hon. Chanda had raised alarm over alleged widespread violations of labour rights among truck drivers, including lack of employment contracts, absence of statutory protections, and non-enrollment in national social security schemes such as NHIMA and NAPSA.

He urged the government to introduce a Statutory Instrument (SI) specifically tailored to truck drivers.

However, Mr Humphrey responded by outlining a series of measures already enacted to safeguard transport workers. He pointed to the high-level Transport Sector Consultative Indaba held on October 25, 2023, which brought together government officials, employer organizations, trade unions, and statutory bodies. The meeting produced binding resolutions aimed at enforcing compliance with labour laws.

He added that among the key outcomes were Mandatory written contracts under the Employment Code Act, Compulsory registration of workers with NAPSA, NHIMA, and WCFCB, Enforcement of PPE standards and minimum wage provisions, Prohibition of unfair salary deductions and unlawful dismissals and Regulation of HR practices under the Zambia Institute of Human Resource Act

Mr Humphrey also emphasized the role of the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council, a statutory body composed of representatives from government, employers, and trade unions, which serves as the primary forum for labour-related dialogue and policy formulation.

“The Ministry has already institutionalized mechanisms to protect drivers, including Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2025 and ongoing nationwide labour inspections,” Mr Monde stated. “We urge stakeholders to utilize existing platforms rather than duplicating efforts.”

The federation called on employers to comply with the Indaba resolutions, encouraged drivers and unions to report violations, and invited Hon. Chanda to engage within the established frameworks.