SPEECH BY THE ZUFIAW GENERAL SECRETARY AT SCB SIGNING CEREMONY, 12TH APRIL 2023The Managing Director Senior Management The National Trustee And Union Team LeaderThe Director Research Branch LeadersThe MediaLadies And GentlemenI Will Start By Congratulating You On Your Appointment As Managing Director And Chief Executive Officer Of This Great Bank. On Behalf Of The National Executive Council And Indeed My Very Own, We Wish To Place On Record Our Commitment To Supporting You And Your Team As You Drive Your Strategic Agenda Aimed At Repositioning The Bank But Mostly Importantly Ensure That The Welfare Of The Unionised Employees Is Addressed In A Fair And Just Manner. As A Union And Your Strategic Partner, We Are Confident That You Shall Succeed In Your New Role And We Shall Definitely Offer You Our Support As You Drive This Institution Forward.MD, We Are Aware That The Bank Has In The Recent Past Increased The Lending Period From 60 Months To 72 Month And Further Increased The Maximum Loan Amount From K450, 000 To K600, 000 At The Lowest Interest Rates On The Market, Thereby Allowing The Citizens To Be Able To Invest In The Short To Long Term Activities. We Are Also Aware Of The Progress You Have Made In Making Standard Chartered Bank A Digital Bank As A Way Of Responding To The Needs Of Your Clients And The Changing Banking Environment Both In And Out Country. However, We Are Hopeful That This Digital Agenda Is Not Advanced At The Expense Of Our Members Who Need These Jobs To Take Care Of Their Families In These Difficult Times Despite Government’s Efforts To Control The Cost Of Living Necessitated By The Current High Cost Of Living, Specifically, High Fuel Prices And The Volatility Of Our Currency. Md, ZUFIAW Is Committed To Partnering With All Our Social Partners Including Stanchart In Maintaining Professionalism And Industrial Harmony Which Is Key To National Development. Furthermore, ZUFIAW Remains Committed To Its Call Of Duty Of Improving And Defending The Workers’ Rights And Conditions Of Service For Our Members By Living Our Values Of Integrity, Accountability, Hard Work, Solidarity And Our Motto “Workers First”. In Achieving The Above, We Will Partner With Government Through The Ministry Of Labour And Social Security And Other Key Stakeholders To Safeguard The Labour Laws Of The Land. We Are Therefore, Very Concerned With The Number Of Our Members Being Promoted Into Management, Yet Some Do Not Meet The Definition Of Management As Provided For In Part Ii Section 4 Of The Industrial And Labour Relations Act Cap 269 Of The Laws Of Zambia. We Have Had Some Interactions With The Bank In The Last Twelve Months Without Many Significant Results Hence We Have Now Decided To Escalate The Matter To The Minister For Determination. We Still Remain Committed To An Amicable Resolution Of This Matter Between Ourselves, Should Management Take The Necessary Action To Resolve The Matter.MD, Allow Me To Highlight That Today’s Ceremony Demonstrates The Healthy Partnership ZUFIAW And The Bank Have Enjoyed Over The Years. Indulge Me To Place On Record That ZUFIAW Will Remain A Key Stakeholder In Ensuring Growth And Sustainability Of The Bank Going Forward. We Will Continue To Advocate For Good Behavior, Hard Work And Productivity Among Our Members.Finally, I Wish To Congratulate The Bargaining Unit That Resolved To Award A 17% Salary Increment Across The Board. I Implore Management And The Union Branch Leadership To Maintain Cordial Relations And Continue To Engage To Ensure The Issues Affecting Both The Institution And Our Members Are Addressed Timely And Amicably. My Office Remains Open To Supporting Both Teams Especially My Branch Leaders So That They Remain Relevant To The Call Of Duty.Good Afternoon And God Bless You.Kasapo Sundrea Kabende General Secretary/CEO