THE Mine-Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has kicked off salary and conditions of service negotiations with Mopani Copper Mines, expressing optimism of securing a better deal for unionised workers as talks shift focus to the 2026 pay package.
Mopani Copper Mines, which is majority owned by International Resources Holdings (IRH), recently awarded unionised workers an unprecedented 13 percent salary increment for 2025, a move MUZ said has set a strong foundation for further improvements.
MUZ president Joseph Chewe said the Union has entered the negotiations determined to improve the welfare of miners who are increasingly feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living.
“As negotiations begin with Mopani today, we are hopeful of securing a good percentage for the workers, most of whom are struggling with loan commitments from various financial institutions,” Chewe said.
He noted that the Union is alive to its responsibility of pushing for conditions of service that cushion workers against the ever-increasing prices of basic goods and services.
“We are aware of our responsibility to deliver relief to the workers, especially considering that the cost of goods and services required on a daily basis continues to rise,” Chewe said.
Chewe further expressed confidence that Mopani management appreciates the need to support its workforce in order to sustain productivity and growth.
“We expect management at Mopani to also cushion the workers so that production can continue to flourish,” he said.
By Noel Iyombwa
Kalemba December 30, 2025
