Industrial Harmony at Risk




... UNZA Staff unions not only warn government and key authorities to resolve delayed payments and benefits or face industrial action but also set deadlines on longstanding issues.

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (24-03-2026) -- Two unions at the University of Zambia — the University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU) and the University of Zambia and Allied Workers Union (UNZAWU)— have warned that industrial harmony at UNZA is at risk if the government and relevant authorities fail to resolve longstanding issues within set timelines.

Likezo Pumulo, president of UNZAPROSU, said the delayed release of negotiation parameters by the Emoluments Commission has stalled 2026 collective bargaining talks.

Under Section 69 (1)(a) of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act, negotiations should begin three months before the expiry of existing agreements, but talks for 2026 have not started even three months after the 2025 agreements lapsed.

“The delay is a blatant disregard of the law and continues to punish university staff for systemic inefficiency,” Mr Pumulo said.

The unions also raised concerns over the partial remittance of student tuition fees by the , a problem they said has persisted despite previous warnings in 2025. 

The shortfalls have left the university struggling to meet operational costs and contractual obligations.

Adding to the grievances, the unions highlighted the non-payment of terminal benefits, including gratuities dating back to 2016 and superannuation payments owed since 2012. 

Mr Pumulo argued that the delays have created a sense of injustice among staff, especially when politicians are able to access their benefits promptly.

The unions have demanded that the Emoluments Commission release negotiation parameters by the end of March 2026, the Loans Board clear all outstanding tuition payments, and the government settle all unpaid gratuities, pensions, and superannuation benefits.

Mr Pumulo warned that failure to meet these demands could disrupt the academic calendar and affect service delivery at UNZA. 

He stressed that the challenges facing the university require urgent political will, noting: 

“The stability of UNZA is not just an institutional concern; it is critical to Zambia’s human resource development and broader economic growth.”

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