VEEP calls for improved work culture among workers

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has challenged workers to improve their work culture.

Mrs Nalumango stressed that employees have an important role to play in securing the future of work in Zambia, hence the call to embrace the culture of hard work.

She implored workers from both the public and the private sectors to focus on being more productive in their respective lines of work.

Mrs Nalumango advised workers to be loyal, disciplined and responsible as they discharge their duties at all times.

“We must improve our work culture. We must focus more on productivity. We must be loyal, disciplined and responsible workers at all times.” She said

The Vice President said this when she graced this year’s Labour Day celebrations in Lusaka.

And Mrs Nalumango has urged employers to invest in the development of workers through skills training.

She said investment must include supporting workers to acquire new skills in line with trends in digital technology and industry requirements.

Mrs Nalumango explained that acquiring new skills will enable employees to adapt to the changing world of work.

The Vice President encouraged employers to offer training and development opportunities to employees so as to enhance their productivity.

Mrs Nalumango stressed on the need for supporting workers to adapt to new technology and work processes.

“Employers are encouraged to offer training and development opportunities for employees to acquire new skills and adapt to the changing nature of work. You are encouraged to support employees to adapt to new technology and work processes.” She said,

She stressed that employers must ensure that digital transformation does not lead to job losses and erosion of workers’ rights.

“As employers, you must ensure that digital transformation does not lead to job losses and erosion of workers’ rights,” She said.

The Vice President has thanked employers in Lusaka provinces for demonstrating resilience and contribution to the country’s economic growth.

Mrs Nalumango said the government remains committed to creating an enabling
environment that supports businesses to thrive and creating new job opportunities.

She appealed to employers to invest more in their workers while at the same time adhering to labour standards.

“We thank all employers for your resilience and contribution to job creation in the province and the nation at large. Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports business. We call upon you to invest more in your workers and continue adhering to labour standards.” Mrs Nalumango added.

Meanwhile, Mrs Nalumago said Labour Day is an important event dedicated to celebrating the resilience, dignity and invaluable contributions of workers across the country.

The Vice President pointed out that workers are the backbone of the economy as they drive economic growth.

Mrs Nalumango said that without the dedication and hard work of the employees, the country can’t prosper.

She said the government has joined in recognising every worker for their contribution to the growth and development of the country.

“Workers are the backbone of our economy. Without your dedication and hard work, our nation would not prosper.

“Today, we recognise every worker for their contribution to the growth and development of our country,” She stated.

The Vice President said the government remains committed to growing the economy and creating job opportunities.

She said the government is determined to protect jobs and guarantee social security systems and uphold the dignity of workers, during employment and in retirement.

Mrs Nalumango assured the labour movement that the government remains committed to promoting social dialogue with employers and workers to ensure industrial harmony.

Speaking earlier, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, first Deputy President Joseph Chewe has implored politicians not to entangle civil servants and other public workers in partisan politics as the country goes to polls in August this year.

Mr Chewe stressed that public workers must not be dragged into partisan contests ahead of the elections.

He pointed out that civil servants and other public workers are servants of the nation who should not be enticed or lured into partisan politics.

Mr Chewe said employees should not be used as instruments of politics by politicians when it suits them.

“As we approach election periods, we demand that workers must not be dragged into partisan contests. Civil servants, teachers, health workers, police officers, and other public employees are servants of the nation. Not instruments of politics.” He said.

Mr Chewe pointed out that civil servants must be protected from politicians as they are professionals.

He said the jobs of public workers and civil servants should never depend on political loyalty.

He encouraged civil servants and other public workers to remain neutral and professional if they were to be respected.

And in a related development, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions has commanded the government for introducing a 24-hours economy.

Mr Chewe said the union strongly believes that running a 24 hours economy will lead to increased production.

He further stated that unemployment among the youths is expected to reduce.

“We strongly believe that having the economy running for 24 hours will increase production and reduce unemployment, especially among the youths.” He added.

At the same event, the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) Vice President for the Midlands region, Kennedy Njamba thanked workers for turning in numbers to commemorate the international Labour Day.

Mr Njamba said the turnout of workers was overwhelming at this year’s Labour Day celebrations.

And Lusaka province Minister, Sheal Mulyata said the presence of the Vice President at these commemorations of the International Labour Day underscores the importance the government attaches to the plight and welfare of the workers across all sectors of the economy.