New Industrial Order
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (24-06-2026) -- Zambia’s transport sector is entering a new phase of structured industrial relations based on social dialogue, collective bargaining, and formal recognition of both unions and employer associations.
He said the transport industry remains central to the economy and depends on cooperation among all stakeholders, including drivers, employers, unions and government.
Kayumba said the recognition agreement reflects a shared commitment to reduce industrial conflict and strengthen structured engagement in the sector.
He acknowledged concerns raised by drivers regarding working conditions and treatment by some operators, saying these issues would be addressed through continued dialogue.
He added that government will support institutional reforms aimed at improving relationship management in the transport sector and urged stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the agreement.
He said despite its importance, the sector continues to face challenges relating to employment conditions, labour disputes and industrial unrest.
Luhanga said government previously introduced minimum wage regulations for truck and bus drivers as a guiding instrument, but stressed that this was not a long-term solution.
He said the new recognition agreement represents a shift toward structured collective bargaining and sustainable social dialogue among stakeholders.
Luhanga said the ministry continues to receive labour complaints from the sector despite previous interventions.
He also highlighted government efforts to digitalise labour services through the Government Service Bus, which allows online access to services such as union registration, complaint resolution and productivity support.
He said thousands of cases have been processed through digital platforms and call centres, and urged stakeholders to increase awareness and usage of these services.
Luhanga warned against informal employer arrangements and cartels that undermine labour standards and discourage fair employment practices.
He said the agreement will strengthen coordination among unions, reduce fragmentation and promote industrial peace in the transport sector.
He said the development marks a shift away from fragmented labour representation and unregistered associations that previously characterised the industry.
Mulala said the agreement will eliminate confusion in negotiations and ensure workers are represented through unified and recognised structures.
He said the labour movement is moving toward industrial solidarity, where unions engage employers with a single coordinated voice.
He added that sector-level bargaining will strengthen negotiations on wages, working hours, allowances and safety conditions.
Mulala said government-set minimum wages should only serve as a baseline, while real negotiations must take place at industry level.
He also raised concerns over poor working conditions in the transport sector, including long working hours and safety risks faced by drivers, particularly those operating cross-border routes.
Mulala called for strict enforcement of labour laws and urged employers to respect workers’ rights, including freedom of association.
Truckers Association of Zambia Chairperson Patrick Malindi welcomed the recognition agreement, describing it as a milestone in formalising industrial relations in the transport sector.
He said the agreement demonstrates commitment to respect workers’ rights, promote good faith bargaining and improve safety and productivity in the industry.
Malindi said the success of the agreement will depend on effective implementation and sustained compliance by all parties.
He called for stronger monitoring and enforcement of existing transport regulations, including statutory instruments governing industry operations and local content requirements.
He said stakeholders must ensure that policy commitments translate into improved working conditions for drivers and transport operators on the ground.
Malindi also stressed the need to strengthen driver welfare, including fair remuneration, safety measures and improved working conditions.
Labour Commissioner Muntengwa said Zambia’s transport sector must fully embrace structured social dialogue as the foundation for sustainable industrial harmony and development.
He said social dialogue involves employers and workers meeting to exchange views and conclude legally binding collective agreements on terms and conditions of service.
Muntengwa said the approach is anchored in International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association and collective bargaining rights.
He explained that earlier engagements with the Truckers Association of Zambia revealed that it was not properly registered under the Ministry of Labour, making it ineligible for collective bargaining under the Industrial Relations framework.
He said only properly registered employer organisations can engage in collective bargaining with unions.
Muntengwa said similar efforts were made with petroleum transport associations to ensure they complete registration processes to enable formal participation in negotiations.
He also said unions in the transport sector were encouraged to consolidate and avoid fragmented representation that weakens bargaining power.
He said Zambia is moving from fragmented employer-employee negotiations to sector-based collective bargaining, which is legally supported under labour law.
He said once collective agreements are signed, they will bind all members of registered unions and employer associations, improving compliance and reducing vulnerability among workers.
He added that the system is designed to reduce industrial disputes, prevent conflicting union positions and promote coordinated engagement across the sector.
He said government has facilitated unity among stakeholders to strengthen social dialogue, which he described as essential for industrial peace.
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