Chilanga Cement Workers Secure K900 Pay Rise Following 2026 Wage Talks
The 2026 collective bargaining process at Chilanga Cement Plc has concluded with a K900 increase in basic pay for unionised employees, marking a modest gain amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
The agreement, reached between management and the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ), will see the lowest-paid employee earn a gross monthly income of just over K11,350, inclusive of basic salary and housing allowance. Meanwhile, the highest-paid worker will receive slightly above K20,200.
Housing allowances remain unchanged at 35 per cent, in line with the existing collective bargaining agreement, while education allowances were maintained without adjustment.
However, workers will benefit from increased local travel and subsistence allowances, which have been revised upwards from K120 to K150 and from K60 to K100, respectively.
Under the funeral grant provision, revised payouts include K9,000 for the death of an employee, K9,500 for a registered spouse, K8,000 for a child, and K6,500 for a parent.
All agreed terms will take effect from 1 January 2026 and will be backdated.
Reacting to the outcome, MUZ General Secretary George S. Mumba described the agreement as a result of constructive engagement between labour and management.
“While the K900 increment may not fully meet the rising cost of living pressures faced by workers, it represents a meaningful step in safeguarding workers’ welfare within prevailing economic constraints,” he said.
Mr Mumba emphasised the need for continued dialogue, urging the employer to remain responsive to future demands, particularly in areas affecting workers’ livelihoods and social protection.
He further reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for improved conditions of service.
“MUZ will continue to push for enhanced allowances and sustainable wage growth in subsequent negotiation cycles,” he added.
