Seize the Moment

“There is always a temptation by some union leaders to advance demands that are beyond what can reasonably be attained, sometimes with the apparent intention of portraying Government in a bad light when those demands are not met,” Mr Hikaumba said.

He urged union leaders to avoid making demands that could not be met and instead focus on securing practical benefits for their members.

Mr Hikaumba said successful trade union leadership should be judged by the improvements delivered to workers rather than the size of the demands made.

He cited salary increments and the recruitment of additional public servants as evidence of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare.

He contrasted this with the previous administration, which he said had resorted to salary freezes.

Mr Hikaumba added that recruiting more public servants had created employment opportunities and strengthened the workforce responsible for delivering public services.

However, he said salary increases must reflect the country’s economic performance and the resources available to Government.

“Workers deserve decent salaries, better conditions of service and an improved quality of life. However, these aspirations must be pursued through responsible negotiations that take into account the country’s economic performance and available resources,” he said.

He warned that agreements that Government could not sustain financially could create problems in the future.

Mr Hikaumba welcomed Government’s engagement with public service unions, saying dialogue was important for resolving disputes and maintaining industrial harmony.

He said negotiations should also address career progression, recruitment, professional development, retirement benefits and pension reforms.

He urged union leaders to present credible proposals and practical alternatives that take account of the financial implications of their demands.

Mr Hikaumba also called on Government to maintain transparency during the negotiations and honour any agreements reached.

He said a motivated public service was essential to national development because civil servants delivered vital services in healthcare, education, security, infrastructure and public administration.

Mr Hikaumba said Government and trade unions should work together to improve workers’ welfare rather than allow their relationship to be defined by confrontation.

“Responsible trade unionism is about defending workers’ interests while appreciating the realities within which the economy operates. We must negotiate firmly, but we must also negotiate wisely,” he said.

He called on both sides to reach a fair and sustainable agreement that recognised workers’ contributions while protecting the country’s economic stability.