By 
Government has issued Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2026 to promote unity, accountability, and coordinated solutions within trade unions and discourage fragmentation in the labour movement.
The new regulations, signed by Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, introduce stricter conditions for the registration of trade unions.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Ministry of Labour and Social Services Principal Public Relations Officer, Mwaka Ndawa said this was a decisive move to address the growing proliferation of unions.
The Statutory Instrument follows broad consultations with trade unions and employers. Stakeholders expressed concern over increasing fragmentation, noting that some individuals were prioritising personal interests over the welfare and representation of workers.
“Government believes that through solidarity, coordination, and collective action, the labour movement can achieve greater results than through fragmented and isolated voices,” Ndawa said.
She said the reforms aligned with the Constitution of Zambia, which allowed reasonable conditions for the registration and regulation of unions, while remaining in conformity with International Labour Organisation standards on freedom of association and the right to organise.
Under the new rules, groups seeking to register a trade union must secure support from at least two unions within the same sector and two unions outside the sector before registration can be granted.
The reforms also strengthen integrity standards by barring individuals linked to financial misconduct, dishonesty, abuse of union funds, bankruptcy, legal disqualification, or repeated union fragmentation from participating in the registration of new unions.
The regulations further stop the re-registration of de-registered unions whose cancellation resulted from misconduct by union leadership, reinforcing Government’s commitment to accountability and responsible union governance.
Ndawa said the measures are not intended to restrict freedom of association but to strengthen the integrity, stability, and effectiveness of trade unions. She added that the regulations provide flexibility for emerging sectors that do not yet have existing trade unions.
“Government remains devoted to protecting workers’ rights and freedom of association while ensuring that the labour movement remains organised, credible, and responsive to the interests of employees across the country,” Ndawa said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments