THE MANAGING DIRECTOR 
SENIOR MANAGEMENT 
THE CONCILIATOR AND DELEGATION LEADERS
UNION OFFICIALS
INVITED GUESTS 
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

On behalf of the entire Union leadership, allow me to express my pleasure at being here and to be a part of this very important occasion. Today marks an important step in the journey towards ensuring fair and just conditions for the hardworking employees that put in their best despite facing numerous challenges in carrying out their duties. It is our hope that his hard work continues to be acknowledged and awarded, so that colleagues can be encouraged to even go an extra mile when doing their work.  

ZUFIAW was concerned by the manner in which the last Negotiations was conducted. The Union does acknowledge that the coming in of a new player in the process, all the parties involved were still coming to terms with the actual role and involvement of the Emoluments Commission. The EC added complexity and presented us with unique challenges to overcome. However, it is gratifying that in the end, we still found common ground and reached agreement, even if this was after a dispute and undergoing a conciliation process. We are hopeful, as a Union, that going forward, our future engagements will be less strenuous and that we shall be able to reach agreement within a short period of time.

MD, The road to today's signing ceremony has not been without its share of disagreements and setbacks. Both parties had reached their limits and it was feared at some point that the whole process would collapse. May I take this opportunity to recognize and commend the work done by the conciliator who help the parties to reach agreement.
 
To the Unionized members, we hear your cry and we know that you deserve better. We need to look at the just ended process as a learning point in our journey. As we move forward, let us not forget the valuable lessons we have learned throughout this negotiation process. We were dealing with the issue of the Commission for the first time and we have seen what we need to do and we need to proceed going forward. We have witnessed firsthand the impact that delays and disputes can have on the overall well-being of our workers and the organization as a whole. We are duty bound to ensure that future negotiations are concluded within the shortest period of time, in order to prevent unnecessary delays and disputes from arising in future.

Let today's signing ceremony mark not just the end of protracted negotiations but the beginning of a new era of collaboration and understanding between the Union and management. 
In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the General Membership who remained calm despite the stressful period they were going through. May I also thank all those who have contributed to this momentous achievement. It is through your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment that we stand here today to sign this document. May our joint efforts pave the way for a brighter and more united future.

Thank you for your attention and God bless you.

Christabel Bwalya (MRS.) 
ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY & CEO