NUPPEZ PROPOSES ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL BREAK FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

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Posted by admin on April 20, 2026 at 9:29 AM

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The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has proposed that civil servants be granted a two-week industrial break at the end of every year to allow non-essential workers time to engage in farming, small businesses, and retirement planning.

Union executive president Victor Muyumba said the break would apply only to non-essential sectors, excluding health personnel, security wings, and other critical service providers. He explained that December, which falls during the rainy season, is a crucial period when many workers need time to prepare land, plant crops, and manage early farming activities.

NUPPEZ argued that in the education sector, December is usually a slow period since schools are closed, making it inefficient to keep teachers stationed at work when there is little activity.

The union also linked the proposal to retirement planning, noting that despite pension reforms under NAPSA, some employees nearing retirement may not have sufficient contributions to secure meaningful lump sum benefits. The break, Muyumba said, would allow workers to start small ventures such as trading and subsistence farming while still employed, serving as a “mini-retirement rehearsal.”

“This industrial break will become a critical planning window, allowing workers to prepare gradually, build income streams early, thereby making retirement more stable and less stressful,” Muyumba stated.

NUPPEZ added that workers who are given time away from busy schedules are likely to return refreshed, with improved morale and productivity.

Meanwhile, the union has also proposed the creation of a new department called Future Search under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, tasked with preparing workers for life after formal employment through pre-retirement programmes.