UPAWUZ
Where Every Member Counts
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Where Every Member Counts

Alone, a worker.
Together, a union.

UPAWUZ is the insaka — the gathering place — of Zambia's public-service, grant-aided and NGO workers. A nationally recognised trade union protecting your rights, dignity and welfare, and fighting for fair pay, job security and gender equity.

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Teacher
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Nurse
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Driver
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Clerk
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Guard
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Carer
Every member counts
2,148members and growing
One finger cannot pick up a louse.
“Umunwe umo tausala inda”
A Bemba proverb — strength is in many, not one
Our insaka

A place where workers decide together.

UPAWUZ is a legally registered, not-for-profit workers' organisation with full corporate status, operating across all ten provinces of Zambia. We are governed by a democratic constitution and led by elected officials — gathered like an insaka to improve the welfare of every member.

Our mission

To unite workers in government, grant-aided institutions and NGOs — promoting dignity, effective service delivery and the protection of workers' rights, in line with our constitution.

Our vision

To be the most representative and trusted workers' organisation in Zambia — where every member counts.

UPAWUZ members gathered (placeholder)
01
SolidarityStanding together, we amplify our collective voice.
02
TransparencyOpen, honest and accountable in everything we do.
03
InclusivenessEvery worker has an equal place and say.
04
ProfessionalismIntegrity, efficiency and discipline for members.
05
EqualityNo bias of any kind; equal opportunity for all.
06
DemocracyMembers vote, are heard, and hold leaders to account.
By the numbers
5 000+
Members
10
Provinces reached
12+
Years of service
100+
Cases represented

Figures are placeholders — replace with the union's verified numbers.

Why we gather

What your membership does

UPAWUZ is not just a union. We are a movement for change, a support system, and a results-driven negotiator.

Representation & Advocacy

We speak for you at work

  • Collective bargaining for better pay, benefits and conditions
  • Legal support in employment disputes
  • Regular meetings with employers to protect your interests
Welfare & Assistance

Support when it's hardest

  • Financial help during unpaid sick leave
  • Support after sudden or unfair job loss
  • Training, workshops, and HIV/AIDS, cancer & wellness programmes
Economic Empowerment

Wealth you own together

  • Save 0.5% of your dues in the cooperative
  • Qualify for soft loans of up to 3× your savings
  • Access to cooperative-owned investments and services
Inclusion & Empowerment

A voice for everyone

  • Gender-equality advocacy and programmes
  • Youth leadership development
  • Equal participation in decision-making
Solidarity & Growth

Building worker power

  • Partnerships with local and international trade unions
  • Organising and recruitment drives across Zambia
UPAWUZ gathering (placeholder)
“
We fight for fair pay, job security, gender equity and better working conditions for every worker. Whether you serve in government or an NGO, UPAWUZ is your voice and your advocate.
PP
Patson PhiriGeneral Secretary, UPAWUZ
The common basket

Strength you can save in

Membership is more than protection — it's a stake. Through the Labour Multipurpose Cooperative, members save into one basket and borrow against what they've built together.

Cooperative

Every member counts

Save 0.5% of your dues into the Labour Multipurpose Cooperative and access soft loans of up to three times your savings.

Cashback

Three claiming windows

A direct return on membership across the cycle. Dates and deadlines published to members.

Housing

Multipurpose Build Society

Helping members reach decent, affordable housing — overview, eligibility and progress updates.

Take your place

Join the insaka

Every member makes the union stronger. Apply in a few minutes — the membership team will confirm your enrolment.

UPAWUZ worker (placeholder)
1 Details
2 Employment
3 Upload ID
4 Confirm
✓ Application received. The membership team will contact you.

Demo form — connect to the union's system or WordPress backend to receive submissions.

From the movement

News & updates

News (placeholder)
Press · Jun 2026

Provincial coordination expanded across Zambia

4 min read
News (placeholder)
Cooperative · Jun 2026

Cashback claiming windows announced for this cycle

2 min read
News (placeholder)
Labour · May 2026

Collective bargaining outcomes for members

5 min read
All news & updates →
Those who speak for us

Who holds the line

FM
Foster Matakala
President
Overall head and chief spokesperson; upholds the constitution and leads employer negotiations.
DP
Deputy President
Name to add
Deputises for the President and chairs the Staff Affairs Committee.
PP
Patson Phiri
General Secretary
Chief administrator; runs daily operations, keeps the records and is co-spokesperson.
GH
Gift Hazyondo
National Coordinator
Supports national organising and coordination across branches.

Elected officials of the National Executive Board. The Deputy President's name is still to be added.