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The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says it has intensified inspections across the transport and logistics sector to ensure compliance with labour laws and social security obligations.
Labour Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, warned that failure to register employees with the National Health Insurance Management Authority and the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board constitutes a violation of the law.
Speaking during the Special Drivers’ Safety Workshop and six-month road safety study held at Pamodzi Hotel Lusakaon Thursday, Tambatamba said employers must prioritise the welfare of drivers as both a legal and moral responsibility.
She stressed that employers must also guarantee lawful and humane conditions of service.
“We will continue working with employers’ associations, trade unions, transport operators, and road safety authorities to strengthen protection for drivers and identify areas of collaboration,” Tambatamba said.
The Minister noted that decent employment practices began with a written contract that clearly specified job descriptions, wages, working hours, leave entitlements and statutory allowances.
She urged all employers to comply with the law and ensure workers were paid on time, saying fair compensation was a cornerstone of decent work.
“Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of road accidents. Employers must avoid excessive working hours, provide adequate rest periods, and adhere strictly to transport safety regulations,” Tambatamba said.
She added that overworking drivers was not only unlawful but also dangerous to both the driver and the public.
Tambatamba further emphasised that drivers were entitled to annual leave, sick leave, maternity or paternity leave where applicable, and public holidays—rights which she said were not discretionary.
“Employers also have a duty to ensure occupational safety by providing roadworthy vehicles, offering safety training, maintaining proper insurance coverage, and complying with road transport regulations,” she said.
The Minister reiterated that decent work goes beyond job availability and must include fair wages, safe conditions, reasonable hours, access to social protection and respect in the workplace.
She concluded that the government remained committed to promoting decent working conditions in line with the Constitution, the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, and Zambia’s international labour obligations under the International Labour Organization.
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