FQM Announces 15 Percent Salary Hike for Eligible Employees
First Quantum Minerals’ subsidiaries Kansanshi Mining and FQM Trident have announced a 15 percent increase in basic salaries for eligible employees, effective 1st January, 2025.
This follows the signing collective bargaining agreements (CBA) with six major Zambian unions, covering 2025 and 2026.
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 said the process reflects the mutual trust, professionalism and respect that continues to define the partnership between FQM Trident management and union representatives.
He added that the mining firm takes pride in fostering an open-door policy that enables 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,” Mr. Wouters stated.
He further said the increments are 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.
Speaking at the same event, Kansanshi Mining Assistant General Manager Axel Kottgen emphasized 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.
Mr. Kottgen 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.
“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 asserted.
Meanwhile, NUMAW President Saul Simujika is elated with the collaborative efforts of both management and the unions, highlighting the significant improvements in the collective bargaining agreements, including salary increases, allowance adjustments, and pension contributions. Mr. Simujika also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between management and unions to achieve national economic targets.
