By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
United Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (UTDAWUZ) has backed the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Zambia Chapter’s demand for immediate protection of drivers.
This follows a surge in attacks on Zambian truck drivers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Union has since declared its intent to lobby for a regional boycott of routes into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement, UTDAWUZ called on the International Transport Workers’ Federation and its more than 700 global affiliates to take a stand.
“Our drivers are being killed while the world watches. We are no longer asking for safety; we are demanding it. If the DRC authorities cannot secure our corridors, then those corridors must remain empty,” the union said.
The Union’s demands include immediate Security Guarantees, by ensuring visible and effective protection for all transport workers within DRC borders, full investigations and prosecution of those responsible for the recent killings and robberies of drivers.
“We urge our regional siblings in the ITF to prepare for a total boycott of DRC-bound cargo until safety benchmarks are met,” it added.
“The transport industry is the backbone of the SADC economy, but it cannot be built on the lives of workers. UTDAWUZ stands ready to coordinate with regional partners to ensure that not another life is lost to “silent diplomacy.”
Recently, the Zambian Government assured the drivers that it was engaging the Congolese authorities to improve safety and put an end to the attacks targeting truck drivers.
The Government urged Zambian truck drivers to adopt safety measures, including travelling in groups, when crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
