ZCTU to intensify nationwide sensitisation on new pension reforms

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it will embark on a nationwide sensitisation programme to educate workers on the recently enacted pension and education reforms.

ZCTU General Secretary Joy Beene says the union will intensify its outreach activities after the Trade Fair holiday to ensure workers understand the implications of the new laws and how they will affect their retirement benefits.

The reforms include the National Pension Scheme Bill 2026, Public Service Pensions Bill 2026, Pension Scheme Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill 2026.

Government has also enacted the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026, which forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at strengthening social protection and expanding access to education.

The education reforms provide for free schooling for learners, while the pension changes increase the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327, benefiting more than 17,000 retirees.

Mr. Beene welcomed the reforms, describing them as an important milestone in the labour movement's longstanding campaign for improved pension arrangements and better retirement benefits.

He said workers had advocated pension reforms for more than 15 years to address gaps in the existing system and improve the welfare of retirees.

However, Mr. Beene said there was still considerable confusion among workers regarding the new pension framework, making sensitisation critical.

He explained that workers employed after 2000 are registered under the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), while the new framework introduces a dual structure under which civil servants can also benefit from occupational pension arrangements through the Public Service Pensions Fund.

“The changes are designed to ensure that workers are covered under both basic and occupational pension arrangements,” Mr. Beene said.

He stressed that workers needed clear information on the changes to prevent misconceptions and ensure they understood the benefits available under the new system.

Mr. Beene said ZCTU would prioritise direct engagement with workers rather than relying exclusively on media briefings.

“We intend to engage our members directly through face-to-face interactions so that we can clarify the reforms and address their concerns,” he said.

He said the union was working with social partners, including pension scheme administrators, to ensure workers received accurate information about the new arrangements.

Mr. Beene also commended the government for responding to some of the long-standing concerns raised by the labour movement, particularly demands surrounding access to lump-sum pension payments.

He said many retirees had been calling for greater access to their pension benefits to enable them to make investments and sustain themselves after retirement.

According to Mr. Beene, the push for comprehensive pension reform has been a priority for successive ZCTU leaderships for more than 15 years.

He acknowledged that the new reforms may not address every concern raised by workers but said they nevertheless represented a significant step forward.

“Although the reforms may not fully meet all expectations, they represent a significant improvement that will enhance the welfare of workers upon retirement,” Mr. Beene said.

The union is expected to roll out the sensitisation programme across the country to help workers understand their rights, obligations and benefits under the newly enacted pension framework.

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