About Edtuz Union

The Educators’ Trade Union of Zambia (EdTUZ) is a modern, progressive union dedicated to empowering and advocating for educators across Zambia. We strive to be a voice for teachers, fostering a union built on the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. EdTUZ is committed to creating a supportive and dynamic environment for teachers, ensuring that their rights are protected, and their contributions to education are recognized and valued.

At EdTUZ, we believe in the power of the teacher. Our union is unique in that it places decision-making power firmly in the hands of our members, rather than concentrated in the leadership. We understand that teachers are the backbone of Zambia’s educational system, and we are here to support them in every aspect of their professional lives.

Our mission is to provide fair representation for all teachers, from primary to tertiary education, in both public and private institutions. We are committed to advocating for equitable wages, improved working conditions, professional development, and the financial transparency of the union’s operations. EdTUZ actively involves its members in decision-making processes, ensuring that every teacher’s voice is heard and respected.

EdTUZ’s core values of transparency, accountability, and empowerment set us apart. We ensure that all our members have access to audited financial reports, and we guarantee their involvement in key decisions that affect the union and the education sector at large. With a focus on education, we equip our members with the tools and knowledge to engage in social dialogue, fostering a harmonious relationship between educators and employers.

Our leadership operates with limited tenures, encouraging fresh perspectives and ensuring that the union remains responsive and member-focused. Additionally, EdTUZ’s commitment to affordability is evident in our low membership subscription rates, making it accessible for every teacher to join and benefit from our services.

Whether you're a teacher just starting your career or a seasoned professional, EdTUZ is here to ensure that your rights are protected, your voice is heard, and your professional journey is supported. Together, we can create a stronger, more unified education system in Zambia.

Join us today, and be part of a union that is truly built by teachers, for teachers.

Some Good Qualities Unique to Educators’ Trade Union of Zambia (EdTUZ)

The Educators’ Trade Union of Zambia (EdTUZ) stands out from other unions with its distinctive approach to leadership, financial transparency, and member participation. Here are some key qualities that make EdTUZ a unique and progressive union:

1. Power Vested in Teacher Members, Not Representatives

Unlike other unions where leadership holds too much power, EdTUZ ensures that teachers have control over the decisions affecting them. This principle is enshrined in Articles 12 (1) and 38 of the EdTUZ Constitution, and Section 5 (1) of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act. The union operates on a contract of service, ensuring leaders are always accessible and accountable to the members.

2. Audited Financial Reports Accessible to Members

EdTUZ prioritizes transparency and accountability by making audited financial reports available to all members. This reflects our commitment to ensuring members have full access to how their contributions are being utilized. This is supported by Article 21 (3) of the EdTUZ Constitution and Section 61 of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

3. Membership Influence in Decision-Making

EdTUZ recognizes the importance of involving members in decision-making processes. Articles 28, 29, and 30 of the EdTUZ Constitution ensure that members play a critical role in making decisions that directly affect them. This is in contrast to the lack of consultation in other unions.

4. Massive Worker Education

We believe in empowering our members through education. Article 4 (4) (l) of the EdTUZ Constitution highlights the union’s dedication to ensuring that teachers are well-versed in key issues like Social Dialogue for Teachers in Zambia, enabling them to work harmoniously with employers and develop professionally.

5. Equitable Wages and Salary Scales

EdTUZ ensures that the wages of union employees are aligned with Ministry of Education wage scales, maintaining fairness and equity within the union. This ensures that the compensation of union leaders mirrors the wages of similar operational roles in the Ministry of Education.

6. Limited Tenure of Office

In line with promoting leadership accountability, EdTUZ limits all executive positions to a maximum of two terms as stated in Article 11 of the EdTUZ Constitution. This promotes fresh perspectives and prevents the concentration of power.

7. Affordable Monthly Subscription

EdTUZ operates with a monthly subscription rate of 0.8%, as outlined in Article 6 of the EdTUZ Constitution. This ensures that membership remains affordable while sustaining the union’s activities.

8. Teacher Cooperative Within the Union

EdTUZ fosters a cooperative initiative to empower teachers through shared financial resources and mutual support. This is addressed in Article 7 of the EdTUZ Constitution, making our union unique in providing additional support mechanisms for teachers.

9. Open Quadrennial Conferences

EdTUZ encourages active participation by making quadrennial conferences open to all members. These conferences are accessible both physically and online, providing an inclusive platform for discussions that shape the future of education in Zambia. This is detailed in Article 12 (2) (d) of the EdTUZ Constitution.

10. Member-Driven Constitution

The EdTUZ Constitution is a product of member input from all ten provinces of Zambia, ensuring that it reflects the diverse needs of educators across the country. This makes the constitution readily available to all members, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion.

11. Accountability and Transparency

EdTUZ ensures that all union activities, plans, and policy directions are accountable and transparent to its members. The union’s financial and operational transparency is guided by Article 21 (3) of the EdTUZ Constitution and Section 61 of the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

12. Multi-Sectorial Approach

EdTUZ adopts a multi-sectorial approach to union representation. Each education sub-sector is represented by a specific director who advocates for the unique needs of that sector. This ensures that every teacher, from early childhood education (ECE) to tertiary level, is represented within the union.

13. Inclusiveness on Membership

EdTUZ values inclusivity, welcoming members from all education sectors. Whether you are in public or private institutions or involved in early childhood education through to tertiary teaching, EdTUZ offers membership to educators at all levels, ensuring that every teacher can find support and representation.