The Agriculture Technical and Staff Union of Zambia (ATPSUZ) says looking at the prevailing economic fundamentals coupled with the covid19 pandemic, the 8 percent salary increment for public service workers is justifiable.
Union General Secretary Joe Kamutumwa notes that the negotiations came at a time when there is a serious crisis of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Kamutumwa has underscored the need for the sector to rise above the challenges and save the economy.
Mr. Kamutumwa believes agriculture is a vital sector towards economic recovery which can enable the country to earn foreign exchange.
In the meantime, he has noted that the issue of unfreezing of frozen positions in the miniseries of livestock and fisheries and agriculture is very critical as it will go a long way in motivating their members.
He says the exercise will have multiplier effects on other conditions of service such as addressing the issue of acting positions.
"The Union is more more than ready to work with the two ministries to help in ironing out most of the grievances facing our members," says Mr. Kamutumwa.
The Union leader has since called for the review of the farmer's input support program and the electronic voucher system in view of changing times.
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