ILO Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, Harare

Policy Reforms and Employment Relations in Zambia

Employment relations in Zambia are profoundly influenced by successive economic and political developments in the country. Post-independent policies which sought to co-opt, incorporate or form a partnership with labour were largely unsuccessful. Rather such overtures had the positive effect of strengthening the trade union movement, to become formidable voice in advancing favourable economic and political reforms. However, in the era of economic liberalization and market-oriented economic regimes, public policy has by design or default undermined the role of trade unions and the employers’ association. Naturally, the employment relationship has been seriously affected.