FQM AND MINE UNIONS SIGN COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR 2025 – 2026
FQM AND MINE UNIONS SIGN COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT FOR 2025 - 2026
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals’ subsidiaries Kansanshi Mining and FQM Trident have signed collective bargaining agreements (CBA) covering 2025 and 2026 with six major Zambian unions.
The agreements provide for a 15 percent increase in basic salaries for eligible employees, effective January 1, 2025.
The agreement was reached with the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW), Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), Miners and Allied Workers Union (MAWU), United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ), Artisans and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (MTAAWUZ), and the Consolidated Miners and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CMAWUZ).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, FQM Trident Assistant General Manager Frederic Wouters, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative spirit between management and the unions.
Mr Wouters added that the process reflected the mutual trust, professionalism and respect that continued to define the partnership between FQM Trident management and union representatives, and that the mining firm took pride in fostering an open-door policy that enabled it to collaborate on enhancing the conditions of service of its workforce, ultimately driving higher productivity and workplace harmony.
“Despite the operational challenges we have been navigating, including rising costs and the higher cost of energy as a result of decreased in-country generation because of the drought, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our workforce. This is evident in the signing of this collective bargaining agreement today, lasting for the next two years.
“Through this agreement we have demonstrated our dedication to improving the welfare of unionised employees by increasing the basic salary by 15 percent, revising key allowances such as education by 23 percent and leave passage by 24 percent, and enhancing benefits like the long-service rewards and employer pension contribution. Additionally, we have pre-agreed another 15 percent salary increment for 2026 to ensure stability and predictability over the next two years,” he said.
He added that the increments were the highest in the recent past and reaffirmed the company’s recognition of the dedication, resilience and excellence that its employees continue to demonstrate in challenging times.
Mr Wouters also acknowledged operational challenges: “Despite navigating rising costs and limited electricity availability, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our workforce. Next year’s targets are ambitious, demanding a step change in productivity, innovation and collaboration. Together, we will rise to meet these expectations.”
Speaking at the same event, Kansanshi Mining Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen emphasised the importance of the strong relationship between management and the unions, and that the unions played a key role in advocating for the workforce and their support during challenging times.
“We are proud of the successful conclusion of the bargaining process, which reflects the dedication and skill of the bargaining units. This agreement is testament to our commitment to safety, productivity, and the well-being of our employees,” Mr Kottgen said.
He noted that Kansanshi Mining, with its 6,200 direct employees, was a major contributor to Zambia’s economy, and that its S3 expansion project, a significant investment, would further boost production, employment, and economic growth.
NUMAW president Saul Simujika expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of both management and the unions, highlighting the significant improvements in the CBA, including salary increases, allowance adjustments, and pension contributions.
“This reflects a win-win situation for both workers and the company,” he said.
Mr Simujika also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between management and unions to achieve national economic targets.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2023, First Quantum globally produced 707,678 tonnes of copper, 226,885 ounces of gold and 26,252 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
