The Government Appreciates the Contribution of Public Service Workers and the Unity Among UG Leaders
Posted: 2025-12-03 14:01:58
The Government Appreciates the Contribution of Public Service Workers and the Unity Among UG Leaders
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, commended the unity that the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers (UG) continues to uphold with other unions. She encouraged national leaders to nurture this unity, noting that it strengthens the labour movement and enhances service delivery.
Mr. Luhanga further acknowledged the vital role of Public Service workers, stating that their contribution to national development is both central and undeniable. He emphasized that every government policy ultimately depends on a worker for its successful implementation. This was mentioned during the opening of the 3rd Supreme Council of the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers in Livingstone, Southern Province, held under the theme “Unity in Strength: Empowering Workers in a Changing Public Service Landscape.”
He noted that the theme was timely and relevant, as the public service is undergoing significant transformation, including digitization, strengthened accountability systems, evolving citizen expectations, and decentralization. In such an environment, he said, unity serves as the anchor that holds institutions together and empowers workers to deliver effective results. Unity enables clarity of purpose, strengthens systems, and empowers workers to adapt, innovate, and excel.
Speaking at the same event, UG President Dr. Muyaywa Kabisa extended profound gratitude to international guests from South Africa’s Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), and the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA). He noted that their presence underscores the global nature of the struggle for justice, dignity, and decent work.
Dr. Kabisa also appreciated sister unions from within Zambia, civil society partners, and government institutions whose solidarity strengthens UG’s influence in the labour movement.
“Allow me to extend special recognition to the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, whose steadfast support has been with us from the very beginning of our union to the present day. POPCRU has accompanied UG since its inception, providing guidance, mentorship, and solidarity at every stage of our development. We remain profoundly grateful for this enduring fraternal relationship,” he said.
He highlighted several challenges facing workers, including low and eroded incomes, inadequate tools and infrastructure, pension-related hardships, family separation, and housing and transport difficulties.
Dr. Kabisa appealed to the Government to review salaries and pensions to reflect real living conditions, invest in tools, technology, transport, and infrastructure, and streamline promotions, confirmations, and career development. He further urged a review of the disciplinary code to make it more corrective than punitive, and for the placement and transfer policy to be more responsive to family values.
Speaking on the theme, UG’s General Secretary, Mr. John Nsululu, explained that the Supreme Council is the highest decision-making body of the union between congresses. He noted that the gathering offers a moment of sober reflection, an opportunity to assess progress, confront challenges, and recommit to the founding principles of justice, equity, professionalism, and service to the working people of Zambia.
Held every four years, the Supreme Council unites the leadership with a single purpose: to celebrate the union’s strength and unity, and to reflect on the collective role they play in empowering workers in a transforming public service.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Zechariah Luhanga, commended the unity that the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers (UG) continues to uphold with other unions. She encouraged national leaders to nurture this unity, noting that it strengthens the labour movement and enhances service delivery.
Mr. Luhanga further acknowledged the vital role of Public Service workers, stating that their contribution to national development is both central and undeniable. He emphasized that every government policy ultimately depends on a worker for its successful implementation. This was mentioned during the opening of the 3rd Supreme Council of the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers in Livingstone, Southern Province, held under the theme “Unity in Strength: Empowering Workers in a Changing Public Service Landscape.”
He noted that the theme was timely and relevant, as the public service is undergoing significant transformation, including digitization, strengthened accountability systems, evolving citizen expectations, and decentralization. In such an environment, he said, unity serves as the anchor that holds institutions together and empowers workers to deliver effective results. Unity enables clarity of purpose, strengthens systems, and empowers workers to adapt, innovate, and excel.
Speaking at the same event, UG President Dr. Muyaywa Kabisa extended profound gratitude to international guests from South Africa’s Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU), and the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA). He noted that their presence underscores the global nature of the struggle for justice, dignity, and decent work.
Dr. Kabisa also appreciated sister unions from within Zambia, civil society partners, and government institutions whose solidarity strengthens UG’s influence in the labour movement.
“Allow me to extend special recognition to the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, whose steadfast support has been with us from the very beginning of our union to the present day. POPCRU has accompanied UG since its inception, providing guidance, mentorship, and solidarity at every stage of our development. We remain profoundly grateful for this enduring fraternal relationship,” he said.
He highlighted several challenges facing workers, including low and eroded incomes, inadequate tools and infrastructure, pension-related hardships, family separation, and housing and transport difficulties.
Dr. Kabisa appealed to the Government to review salaries and pensions to reflect real living conditions, invest in tools, technology, transport, and infrastructure, and streamline promotions, confirmations, and career development. He further urged a review of the disciplinary code to make it more corrective than punitive, and for the placement and transfer policy to be more responsive to family values.
Speaking on the theme, UG’s General Secretary, Mr. John Nsululu, explained that the Supreme Council is the highest decision-making body of the union between congresses. He noted that the gathering offers a moment of sober reflection, an opportunity to assess progress, confront challenges, and recommit to the founding principles of justice, equity, professionalism, and service to the working people of Zambia.
Held every four years, the Supreme Council unites the leadership with a single purpose: to celebrate the union’s strength and unity, and to reflect on the collective role they play in empowering workers in a transforming public service.
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