Party leader, Kalaba, alleges UPND poor handling of economy worsening workers’ hardship

Orange Alliance 2026 presidential candidate and Citizens First President Harry Kalaba said on Friday that Zambia’s rising cost of living, which he blamed on the economic policies of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), had pushed workers deeper into poverty.

In his Labour Day statement, Kalaba said many civil servants had remained idle for nearly five years while awaiting redeployment after the change of government, resulting in wasted public resources and talent.

He claimed the UPND had failed to deliver on its job-creation promises, leaving millions unemployed amid escalating living costs.

“Real wages have eroded under UPND due to rampant inflation, making it impossible for workers to afford basic necessities,” Kalaba said.

He added that labour laws remained unreformed, saying the government had ignored calls to strengthen protection against unfair dismissals and exploitative contracts.

Kalaba alleged that public sector workers continued to experience delayed salaries and unpaid allowances, undermining the UPND’s pledge to prioritise worker welfare.

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“Youth unemployment has soared under UPND, dashing hopes for the next generation of Zambian workers,” he said.

He argued that casualisation of jobs had intensified and that current policies favoured precarious employment over secure, unionised positions.

He also warned that collective bargaining rights were under threat, accusing the government of sidelining unions in favour of corporate interests.

“Corruption scandals involving UPND officials have diverted funds meant for worker training and social safety nets,” Kalaba said.

He added that a debt-swap scheme could help ease financial pressure on civil servants and ensure timely payment.

Kalaba urged Zambians to “liberate themselves” in next year’s elections by voting for accountability and the restoration of workers’ dignity.

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