POLITICAL opponents should not drag theZambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) into politics, the motherbody’s president Blake Mulala has said.In an exclusive interview with The Mast, Mulala said ZCTU’s position on governance issues like Bill 7, is driven by workers’ interests,not political affiliations.

He dismissed growing allegations by critics of the the Labour Movement being compromised and being aligned to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).”When congress moved to support Bill 7, we must be perceived to be politically aligned to the UPND. Contrary to the assertions, we are non-partisan working with the government of the day,”Mulala said.

He said ZCTU did not necessarily agree with government on everything it did or pronounced, referencing the instance where the union objected to the employmentcode.”This shows ZCTU’s stance on advocating for workers’ rights and being critical of policies they deem unfavorable to labour interests,” he added.”The political opponents of the United Party for National Development shouldn’t twist perceptions – if they see white as black, doesn’t mean others should follow suit,” added.He said supporting progressive government policies does not necessarilymean alignment,” Mulala said.

He said ZCTU had not observed any interference in union activities or retirements in national interest under the UPND administration, contrasting with past experiences.”This suggests a relatively smoother relationship or less perceived interference compared to previous governments,” Mulala said.”So when we speak these issues, it becomes a thorn in the flesh of those who were doing them in the past administration,” he said.

Mulala said ZCTU worked with unions having members from different political backgrounds.”Some members even take leave to join politics, showing the union’s diverse ties,” he said.Meanwhile, Mulala says ZCTU expects fairer pay and conditions of service for workers engaged in night shift as the country transitions into a 24-hour economy.”The labour law should apply itself in terms of conditions of service for the workers with regards night shifts,” he said.Mulala said preparations for the 2026 Labour Day were underway.