UNZA LECTURERS PROTEST OVER TERMINAL BENEFITS

By Morgan Chomba

THREE lecturer unions at the University of Zambia (UNZA) have announced a stalemate in their negotiations with the Government over the payment of long-standing terminal benefits, totalling K836 million and have vowed to go on strike.

At a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, University of Zambia Professional Staff Union (UNZAPROSU) President, Likezo Pumulo, revealed that despite prolonged engagements, no significant progress has been made over the matter.

Mr. Pumulo disclosed that unions have resolved to conduct a strike ballot, inviting the Labour Commissioner’s office to oversee the process.

A strike ballot is a voting process used by trade unions to determine whether their members support taking industrial action, such as a strike, in pursuit of specific demands, typically related to wages, working conditions, or other employment issues.

The strike ballot is expected to take place any Day next week.

UNZARALU President Andrew Phiri also intimated that the unions had engaged Government repeatedly, but have yielded nothing adding that the terminal benefits dispute dates back to 2014, with lecturers seeking payment for accrued benefits.

The outstanding amount has grown to K836 million, alongside K617 million in local superannuation and unresolved NAPSA contributions.

As a result, the three lecturer unions, University of Zambia Academic Staff Union (UNZAPROSU), University of Zambia Administrative Staff Union (UNZAASU) and University of Zambia Lecturers Association of Research union (UNZARALU) have joined forces to pressure the Government.