The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions and the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia have opened talks over the possibilities of creating a merger.
ZCTU Director of Public and International Relations Martin Chembe disclosed that the two unions are looking at merging before the end of the year.
“It is a long process but we are glad to report that work has finally commenced. We held at workshop last week organised by the Labour Institute of Zambia at which modalities of creating a united labour movement was discussed and wok has started,” Mr Chembe explained.
“This is just an initial stage. A committee has been set up comprising members from FFTUZ and ZCTU to oversee the process. We have realised that speaking as a fragmented unit has not helped matters. We are hopeful that we will unite and speak with one voice. We will have fewer unions but much stronger,” said Chembe.
He added that officials from the two unions have realised that having a fragmented labour movements contributes to weakening the voice of the worker.
Mr Chembe said the officials from the two respective unions have been tasked to go countrywide and explain the development to their affiliate unions.
“We are hoping that the feedback from our affiliates will be positive because that is what will give us the impetus to press forward and complete the process of merging,” he said.
both of these mother bodies have failed the workers. FFTUZ was permanently decapitated by one woman who harbored political ambitions while still holding on to the union top job. As for ZCTU, the guy who was there overstayed, instead of living the stage while the audience was still clapping, he decided to hold on to power by silencing any perceived opponents. He and his SG were like Dracula who sucked the life out of the union. Today both unions are lifeless copes! it will take a new generation of leaders if workers will have any hope.
The best news to come out of the labour movement in a long time. Its been really laughable to hear public sector unions parroting each other on how they have “successfully” negotiated for improved conditions of service, when such a statement could have been issued by one person.
One of the mottos of the labour movement is SOLIDARITY & this can’t be achieved with so many unions.