19/03/2026
In other news 🌏
The 2026 collective bargaining process has concluded at Chilanga Cement Ltd resulting in a K900 increment to basic pay across the board for unionized workers. The increment translated into a gross pay of just over K11,350, including basic and housing pay, for the lowest paid employee while the highest paid employee will earn a gross pay of just over K20,200.
Meanwhile, the housing allowance clause was also settled under the status quo, with all unionized employees retaining housing allowance at 35 percent as provided for in the collective bargaining agreement. All agreed terms are set to take effect from 1st January 2026 and will be backdated.
The agreement also stipulated that education allowance closed without further adjustments, while local travel and subsistence allowances were adjusted upwards from K120 and K60 to K150 and K100 respectively. Under the funeral grant clause, negotiated figures were agreed as follows: K9000 for the death of an employee and K9500 for the death of a registered spouse, K8000 for the death of a child, and K6500 for the death of an employee’s natural or biological parent.
Reacting to the outcome, Mineworkers Union of Zambia General Secretary George S Mumba welcomed the conclusion of negotiations, describing the agreement as a product of constructive engagement between labour and management."while the K900 increment may not fully meet the rising cost of living pressures faced by workers, it represents a meaningful step in safeguarding workers’ welfare within prevailing economic constraints," Mr. Mumba said. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and urged the employer to remain responsive to future demands, particularly in areas affecting workers’ livelihoods and social protection.
The MUZ General secretary reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending workers’ interests. stating that"MUZ will continue to push for improved working conditions .
