Member Benefits
UNZALARU is a registered trade Union of the University of Zambia for Lecturers and Researchers’ Union. All academicians employed at the University of Zambia (UNZA) have the privilege of subscribing to UNZALARU. It is not mandatory to be a member of the Union but members opt to belong to the Union. This decision comes with a number of benefits. Among these include:
01 Voice of Members
UNZALARU bargains for the best conditions of service of all the members. The Union ensures that members’ conditions are above the minimum provided by the law. It is the voice of all its members supporting them individually, for example, in disciplinary hearings, promotional issues among others. The Union also organises industrial action, through balloting and communication. During industrial action, the Union will negotiate with the employer on behalf of its members.
02 Industrial Action Privileges
The Union organises industrial action against the employer and organises legal strike to raise awareness of critical organisational issues. All members of the Union participating in the strike are protected by the agreement the Union has with the employer. Unlike a member of staff who does not belong to the Union, he or she might be subject to disciplinary action.
03 Support for workplace issues & Disputes
Being a member of the Union entails that there will always be someone available to ‘have your back’ if you need support at work. In cases of victimisation, harassment and or discrimination, the Union ensures that its members are protected. The Union actively opposes discrimination and fights for equality and diversity in the work place.
04 Training Opportunities
The Union offers different kinds of training to its members. These include entrepreneurship, pre-separation counseling (for those about to retire) labour laws, mental health and work life balance among others. Trainings are intended to equip members with knowledge on how to establish businesses, prepare for retirement, understand and interpret the law as well as care for their mental health. Trainings have also proved to be a networking ground for members.
05 Medical scheme
UNZALARU also runs a Medical Scheme that members are at liberty to subscribe to. The UNZALARU Medical Scheme has wide range of health service providers situated in different locations within the country. These include both public and private. See details on our health service providers tab. The Medical Scheme helps members pay for their health care needs and for their beneficiaries registered with the Union.
06 Bereavement grant
UNZALARU offers a funeral grant when a member loses a spouse, child and or dependent.
07 Social Gatherings
UNZALARU believes in appreciating its members by way of creating time for members to relax and interact among themselves. Hence, it organises an annual May Day celebration and end of year celebrations for the members. Similar to trainings, these celebrations also help members to network and reconnect with each other.
