COTUZ opposes merger of union mother bodies

The Confederation of Trade Unions of Zambia says it will not be part of the proposed merger of all trade unions in Zambia.

The Labour Institute of Zambia is spearheading the merger of all trade unions in Zambia including the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ).
Both the ZCTU and the FFTUZ have welcomed the idea which will see the country have one trade union mother body represent all workers.

But Confederation of Trade Unions of Zambia President Joe Kamutumwa said his newly formed trade union is not interested in any mergers.

Mr Kamutumwa said it would be counterproductive for COTUZ to jump into the proposed merger when it has been formed.

He said the proponents of the merger have not even approached COTUZ formally but that they have only made overtures in the media.

“If there is a merger then it is between ZCTU and FFTUZ. All we can say is that we wish them all the best,” Mr Kamutumwa.

“As COTUZ, we are not interested because we have just been formed ourselves and so how can we then abandon this new baby because some people are talking about merging?”