Relief for UNZA Lecturers



Protest Called Off After Government Assures Release of Long-Overdue Terminal Benefits for Affected Workers, Bringing Relief to Affected Employees Following Years of Delays and Uncertainty

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

LUSAKA — (4-07-2026) -- The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers' Union (UNZALARU) has welcomed Government’s commitment to clear outstanding terminal benefits owed to University of Zambia employees covering the period 2016 to 2025, describing the move as a major relief for affected staff and a step toward resolving a long-standing grievance.

In a statement signed by UNZALARU President Prof. Andrew Phiri and General Secretary Dominic Liche, the union said the assurance was made during a meeting held on July 1 between the three UNZA trade unions, the University Council and management. Acting Council Chairperson Dr. Michael Chilala informed the meeting that all outstanding benefits would be paid by the end of July.

The union said the payments will be implemented in two phases, with benefits accrued between 2016 and 2020 to be covered in the first disbursement, while those for 2021 to 2025 are expected to follow before the end of the month.

Following the assurance, UNZALARU said it suspended a planned protest that had been scheduled for July 2, after Government pledged to address the workers’ concerns.

The union also welcomed the release of funds to settle pension and gratuity obligations, noting that the latest allocation builds on earlier Government interventions that had cleared arrears between 2022 and 2025.

It said the continued delay in payment had reduced the real value of benefits due to inflation, but the latest commitment offers long-awaited relief to affected employees.

UNZALARU further commended Government’s broader efforts to stabilise the University of Zambia’s finances through the settlement of statutory liabilities and rehabilitation of infrastructure, saying the measures would strengthen the institution’s long-term sustainability.

The union expressed optimism that Government would honour its pledge to clear all outstanding terminal benefits, including pensions, gratuities and superannuation, by the end of July.

UNZALARU reaffirmed its commitment to working with Government and university management to restore financial stability and improve working conditions at the University of Zambia.

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