Cabinet has approved the revision of the minimum wages and conditions of employment for Bus and Truck Drivers.

The minimum wage for Bus drivers has been increased from K2, 200 to K 3 000, while that of Bus drivers has been adjusted from K3000 to K 4000.

This follows a recommendation made by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba to Cabinet, considering the cost of living and inflation. 

The Minister of Labour announced this during a press briefing in Lusaka, today. 

Ms Tambatamba has also revealed that Subsistence allowances for Truck Drivers have been revised upwards from 25 to 30 United States dollars, where the employer does not provide or pay accommodation or where the truck does not have a sleeping cabin. 

And where the truck has a sleeping cabin, Ms Tambatamba has stated that Subsistence allowance will be 20 United States dollars per night from the old 15 United States dollars. 

The Minister has since called on employers to allow employees to join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining which takes into consideration a company’s financial position.

She added that this will enable employees to benefit from what they have contributed to the businesses.

“Employers should, therefore, embrace union activities because the minimum wage statutory instrument may not take into account different companies’ financial capabilities.” Ms Tambatamba explained. 

In November, 2023, three statutory instruments were reviewed and issued for Domestic workers, Shop Workers and General Workers’ Orders for all other categories which were effective in January, 2024. 

The Minister of Labour has stated that the bus and truck drivers’ minimum wages were however not reviewed at that time. 

She added that the review of the Bus and Truck Drivers’ legislation, therefore, completes the set of minimum wage orders for employees falling under the regulation of the statutory instruments.