Employers’ federation rejects call for new transport dialogue, urges use of existing tripartite platforms

The United Federation of Employers in Zambia (UFEZ) has rejected calls by Kanchibiya Constituency lawmaker, Sunday Chanda, for the government to create a new tripartite dialogue platform to address grievances in the transport sector.

Chanda had proposed that the government establish a platform involving employers and drivers’ associations to improve working conditions and strengthen labour inspections in the sector.

In response, UFEZ President Humphrey Monde, in a statement issued on Tuesday, acknowledged concerns regarding the welfare of truck drivers but clarified that the government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has already implemented a structured tripartite framework to address these issues.

“Contrary to the assertion that no platform exists, the Ministry convened a high-level Transport Sector Consultative Meeting (Indaba) on October 25, 2023, at Mika Exotic Conference Center,” Monde said.

The meeting involved representatives from the Ministry, the Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia, drivers’ associations, workers’ representatives, and key institutions such as NAPSA, NHIMA, Workers’ Compensation Fund, and the Occupational Health and Safety Institute.

Monde said the Indaba produced concrete resolutions, including mandatory written contracts under Section 22 of the Employment Code Act, with penalties for non-compliance, NAPSA/NHIMA/WCFCB registration of employees and remittance of contributions and strict adherence to the Truck and Bus Drivers Order (2020) for personal protective equipment (PPE).

He further noted the prohibition of unjust termination without valid reasons and following procedures under Section 52(2)(3) of the Employment Code Act, No. 3 of 2019.

He urged employers to comply with the Indaba resolutions or face sanctions, and encouraged drivers to report violations to the Ministry or other statutory bodies.

Monde emphasized the importance of leveraging existing tripartite structures to avoid duplication.

“UFEZ remains committed to upholding workers’ rights and invites Chanda to collaborate within the established frameworks of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,” he assured.

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