On January 22, 2025, the Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) and the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) signed a new Collective Agreement for the period covering January 1 to December 31, 2024. The signing ceremony, held at NAPSAโs Head Office in Lusaka, marked a significant milestone in their longstanding partnership, emphasizing shared commitment to industrial harmony, employee welfare, and modernization.
๐๐ฆ๐บ ๐๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐ต๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฏ๐บ
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
The event reaffirmed the Memorandum of Recognition Agreement between ZUFIAW and NAPSA, initially established in 2003. This updated document reflects current sector trends and underscores years of mutual respect and cooperation between the parties.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
The negotiations concluded with a 4% salary increment for unionized employees, particularly those under NPS 6 and 7 salary scales. While the adjustment fell short of the Unionโs full expectations, it is seen as a meaningful step in improving salaries and related benefits. ZUFIAW commended the dedication of its Bargaining Unit for advocating on behalf of members, despite delays caused by external factors like the Emoluments Commission.
๐๐๐๐จ๐ ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ
Both parties acknowledged the challenges faced during the negotiation process. ZUFIAW expressed concerns about protracted discussions in 2023 and 2024, while NAPSA Director General Mr. Muyangwa Muyangwa praised the local Union Branch Executive for their resilience and constructive engagement under pressure. He also highlighted managementโs commitment to exploring additional reward systems to further motivate employees.
๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ
ZUFIAW emphasized that negotiated benefits are exclusively for subscribed Union members. The Union urged NAPSA management to uphold this principle to maintain industrial harmony and avoid conflicts.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐
The Collective Agreement symbolizes a joint effort to ensure employee welfare while aligning with NAPSAโs broader developmental role. The Authorityโs contributions to national infrastructure, including projects like the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway and Maamba Energy, were highlighted as critical to its mission.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ
โข ZUFIAW President Mr. Charles Mukuka: He stressed the importance of unity, productivity, and working towards shared goals. He urged members to contribute to NAPSAโs growth and reiterated the Unionโs dedication to advocating for their interests.
โข NAPSA Director General Mr. Muyangwa Muyangwa: He encouraged employees to recognize the background efforts leading to the agreement and reaffirmed managementโs commitment to rewarding excellence.
๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐
ZUFIAW expressed gratitude to its Bargaining Unit, NAPSA management, and stakeholders for their collaborative efforts. The Union called on Branch Officials to maintain close engagement with members and management, addressing concerns promptly and fostering continued growth in the workplace.
This agreement serves as a testament to what can be achieved through dialogue, patience, and shared commitment to progress. It reflects a modernized partnership designed to meet the evolving needs of employees and the sector at large.
