UNZA lecturers demand immediate settlement of terminal benefits, cite K1.3 billion liability

The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has issued a demand to the government to settle terminal benefits owed to University of Zambia employees amounting to over K1.3billion. Union President, Andrew Phiri, expressed profound disappointment and growing concern over the continued delay by the government. Speaking at a media briefing held in Lusaka at UNZA Great East Campus, Phiri listed the outstanding obligations as ZSIC superannuation benefits dating back to 2012, gratuities dating back to April 2016, and pensions dating back to September 2021.

Phiri maintained that the benefits were not favours being sought from the Government but rights earned through service. “These are not favours being sought from Government; they are lawful entitlements earned through years of dedicated service to the nation,” he said. Phiri said the Union had engaged the Government and other stakeholders in good faith through dialogue and established consultative processes for years.

“For years, the Union has engaged Government and other stakeholders in good faith through dialogue and established consultative processes. Regrettably, these efforts have yielded little to no tangible results,” he stated. Phiri also said the Union participated in initiatives aimed at resolving the matter, including discussions on the 2018 Higher Education Financing Strategies and the development of UNZA’s Comprehensive Financial Sustainability Framework.

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He further revealed that the Union made repeated attempts to secure an audience with President Hakainde Hichilema but these efforts were unsuccessful. “The Union has also made repeated attempts to secure an audience with the Head of State, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, but these efforts have unfortunately been unsuccessful despite assurances that the President maintains an open-door policy,” Phiri noted. He said Union members had shown patience and restraint but that their situation had become desperate as the delays continue.

“UNZALARU members have sacrificed a great deal and exercised extraordinary patience and restraint. However, patience alone cannot pay medical bills, school fees, rentals, or guarantee dignity,” Phiri stated. He claimed that some employees had died before receiving benefits, leaving families to continue fighting for payments, describing the University as increasingly perceived as a death trap for employees who work under financial and emotional strain. “What makes this situation even more painful is the apparent inconsistency in Government priorities,” Phiri stated.

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