UNZA UNIONS REFUSE TO RESUME CLASSES UNTIL SEPTEMBER SALARIES PAID.
06/10/2026
Three University of Zambia unions have pledged not to support the resumption of classes until members are paid September salaries, escalating pressure over worsening financial problems.
The unions say delayed salaries, unpaid benefits, non-remittance of funds and failure to access medical services are now affecting union operations and the wider functioning of the university.
University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union President Prof. Andrew Phiri said workers should not be ashamed to demand what is owed.
“There should be no shame in demanding what is yours,” Prof. Phiri said, urging members to remain firm.
He said workers had fought for better conditions through collective agreements and should not allow gains to be eroded, warning failure to act could return the university to 2020 conditions.
“If we are not getting paid today, tomorrow will come again. What shall we do tomorrow? We come tomorrow,” he said, stressing dignity in timely payment.
UNZALARU Secretary General Dominic Liche said non-remittance has left workers unable to access healthcare.
“I am even afraid to go to the hospital because the first thing that I may be asked is why I have not paid my bills from June,” Mr. Liche said.
“The continued non-remittance of monies to institutions and unions is beating us hard. We cannot access medical care, and our unions are dysfunctional,” he said, warning students will also feel the heat if unresolved.
Unionist Likezo Pumulo said Government release of funds to dismantle chronic debt for public universities raised hopes, but workers learnt money for UNZA was channelled through the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board.
“You can’t fill the universities with students, and then you don’t pay for them. How do you expect the university to operate?” Pumulo asked.
UNZA Workers Union Secretary General Moonga Mupona said every employee on payroll has a right to timely salary.
“Everyone in every corner of this university, as long as you are an employee and you are on the payroll, the reason you are on the payroll is because the salary is basic,” Mr. Mupona said.
He said UNZA has over 1,000 workers but turnout was low, urging unity.
“We may seem like we are fighting for ourselves, but we are fighting for the nation,” he said.
The unions say September salary payment is the immediate priority as the academic programme remains under pressure.