Salary Rises for Public Service Workers

Following long collective negotiations a 10.5% rise in pay for public service workers has been agreed between the Government the public service unions.

The raise has now been approved by the Emoluments Commission. The commission sat on 29 December 2022 and approved the new public salaries.

The commission’s Vice Chairperson, Mwanba Chanda, however reminded workers that salaries must be paid according to the performance of the employees and so standards must remain high.

This is because the public sector is seen as crucial to faciliating the growth of the private sector and ensuring good service delivery for all Zambians.

“An efficient civil service will also help the private sector to thrive.” commented Emoluments Commission Acting Director General Mwanba Peni.

Efficiency in public service has been a repeated theme of officials within the New Dawn government since coming to power. Zambians ultimately voted out former President Lungu following years of corruption and mismanagement. As such, transparency and efficiency are being heavily emphasised.

The commission is responsible for the renewal of expiring contracts, of staff replacements and of promotions. For short term institutional plans they are also responsible for issues short-term work contracts.

In addition to approving the public sector rise, an identical raise has been agreed for the Judicial and Allied Workers Union of Zambia.