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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2025)
An exploration into effective collective bargaining: A case study of public service trade unions in Zambia
Authors
Hellen Moonga, Harrison Daka
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore how
Public Service trade unions can effectively bargain for terms and conditions of
service for employees in Zambia. The objectives of the study included to
investigate the factors affecting the bargaining power of the Public Service
Unions in Zambia and to propose guidelines that can improve the Collective
Bargaining process between Government and Public Service Unions. The
qualitative design was used in this study. The study used purposeful and
stratified random sampling to select participants. Data was collected using
semi-structured interviews and was analyzed using the in vivo Software
to enable the researcher conduct thematic content analysis of interview
transcripts. The study identified major challenges that weaken the bargaining
power of unions, such as the multiplicity of unions leading to fragmentation,
lack of capacity and skills among union leaders, and political interference and
corruption that shift focus away from employee welfare. The study conclusively
revealed that unions' lack of coordination and professionalism in managing the
collective bargaining process undermined their influence and limited their
capacity to secure tangible gains for their members. These persistent issues
reflected the broader ineffectiveness of Public Service Unions in navigating
government constraints and regulatory challenges, leaving workers' demands
largely unmet. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that the
Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap 269 of the Laws of Zambia should be
amended to provide clear guidelines for collective bargaining and prevent
multiplicity of trade unions. Further, Trade Unions should invest in capacity
building of the union leaders to improve their negotiation skills among others.
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Pages:38-44
How to cite this article:
Hellen Moonga, Harrison Daka "An exploration into effective collective bargaining: A case study of public service trade unions in Zambia". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 38-44
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