The Zambia Congress of Trade Union – ZCTU has expressed concern over the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 10 of 2019 which will lead to the worsening of the current fiscal position of government if enacted.
ZCTU noted that the bill intends to introduce the position of Deputy Ministers and elevate provincial Ministers into full cabinet minister, further proposing an additional number of members to parliament, which will add pressure to the national treasury.
Speaking during a media briefing held on 17 September, 2019 at ZCTU offices in Lusaka, ZCTU Secretary General Cosmas Mukuka said with the current fiscal challenges in the country, it is only right that resources are directed towards the Constitutional consultative process to ensure that the new constitution allows for wide stakeholder consultations.
Mukuka said the bill also left out the contentious issue of the Bill of Rights that led to a failed referendum in 2016 saying it is essential to further include economic rights and rights to basic social protection.
“The reason why ZCTU is not supporting the Constitutional bill No. 10 of 2019 is that is seeks to take away retirees pension security which will lead to increased poverty, homelessness as many retirees will not be able to build their own home and children will stop going to school,” he said,
ZCTU has since stated that the bill has failed to inspire workers as non of the proposed amendments in bill are progressive to its members.
