Jobs, Not Chaos! Muntengwa Blasts Illegal Strikes

...As Good Time Steel awards 140 Employees, Commits to Job Creation and Economic Growth

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – 07-05-2025 – Ministry of Labour and Social Security has warned that illegal strikes and non-compliance with labour laws pose a serious threat to Zambia’s economic stability and job creation efforts, calling on all stakeholders to recommit to principles of social justice, productivity, and lawful engagement.

Delivering the keynote address at a corporate labour awards ceremony in Lusaka, Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa issued a strong rebuke to recent instances of unauthorized industrial action, including a strike over unpaid salary arrears in Lusaka West, describing such behaviour as “economic self-sabotage.”

He insisted that disputes must be resolved through dialogue, not disruption. “Strikes are a last resort,” Muntengwa said. “Use legal channels—or face dismissal.” He outlined the official dispute resolution process—negotiation, ministry mediation, and legal adjudication—and warned unions that collective agreements must be signed freely, without coercion.

Muntengwa emphasized the need for all employers to comply with Zambia’s legal framework, particularly the four pillars of the International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Decent Work Agenda: social protection, employees’ rights, social dialogue, and job creation.

Under social protection, he reminded employers of their obligation to register all employees with the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the Workers’ Compensation Fund, and the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA).

The minister also outlined expectations around the protection of employee rights, including mandatory written contracts, grievance mechanisms, and fair disciplinary procedures.

He warned that ignorance of the law would not be tolerated. “Every worker must know their rights,” Muntengwa said. “And every employer must uphold them.” He issued a stern warning to HR managers who engage in victimization, referencing disciplinary actions taken in 2023. “HR is the custodian of fairness,” he said. “Abuse your role, and we will act.”

Muntengwa praised the host company for its expansion from 80 to 1,300 employees, urging other firms to emulate such growth. “The private sector, not government alone, must drive employment,” he said, stressing that productivity must go hand in hand with social responsibility.

He appealed to the media to highlight compliant employers and accurately report labour issues. “Balanced reporting strengthens accountability,” he said.

The minister used the awards ceremony, which recognized 114 employees for exceptional service, to encourage a culture of recognition in the workplace. “Next year, I expect even more winners,” he said. “Transparency in awards builds trust.”

Muntengwa called for a renewed partnership between government, employers, workers, and media to attract investment, reduce unemployment, and create decent work. “Progress,” he said, “is built on dignity, dialogue, and the rule of law.”

Good Time Steel Company Zambia has pledged to create over 500 new jobs by the end of 2026. This was announced by the company’s Managing Director, Jacky Haung, during the International Labour Day commemorations.

Speaking at the event held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Work Through Homegrown Solutions for Inclusive Economic Growth,” Haung echoed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for locally driven development strategies.

"Good Time Steel Company is actively aligning itself with the government's vision for homegrown solutions. We remain committed to achieving a sustainable tomorrow," Haung said.

The company, which has expanded operations across Zambia, including Kafue, plans further growth over the next five years. Despite economic pressures and load-shedding, Haung said no employees were retrenched.

Currently employing over 200 people, Good Time Steel aims to increase that number significantly. “We plan to create 500 more jobs by the end of 2026,” Haung said.

In addition to employment, the company is investing in community development through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the construction of a twin police post.

Haung congratulated employees who were recognised during Labour Day. “To those receiving awards, continue your dedication. You are the backbone of our success,” he said.

Good Time Steel awarded 140 outstanding employees during this year’s Labour Day celebrations.

In a speech by Group Human Resources Manager Brain Kapembwa, the company highlighted its efforts in job creation and sustaining Zambia’s industrial growth.

“When Good Time Steel started operations, we had just 208 employees. Today, we have over 1,300 Zambians on our payroll,” he said.

The 140 employees were recognized in categories such as Hardworking, Most Improved, Most Disciplined, Long-Serving, and Most Loyal Employees—a 40% increase from the 100 awarded in 2023.

“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to rewarding excellence,” Kapembwa added.

He encouraged employees to remain committed and loyal, and urged others to strive for recognition in 2026. “Our goal for 2025 is to award over 200 employees,” he said.

The National Union for Commercial and Industrial Workers (NUCIW) has called for increased investment in local industries and homegrown solutions to address Zambia’s unemployment crisis.

Speaking during Labour Day commemorations in Lusaka, NUCIW Senior Regional Secretary Frederick Mukunga said Zambia must reduce reliance on foreign solutions and instead harness local innovation to drive inclusive economic growth.

“We must invest in local industries and redesign our systems so that every worker has a chance to thrive,” Mukunga said. “Economic progress should be measured not just by GDP but by how many people are uplifted.”

Mukunga highlighted rising joblessness, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, and urged the government, employers, and education institutions to align their efforts with the needs of the local economy.

He commended Good Time Steel for transforming raw materials into finished products, saying such initiatives contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mukunga also urged employers to uphold due process and respect human resource guidance in handling disciplinary matters.

With the current collective agreement set to expire in June 2025, Mukunga expressed optimism about upcoming negotiations and called for continued collaboration between all stakeholders.

Good Time Steel’s expansion plans include opening more branches across Zambia to generate additional employment.