THE Judicial and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (JAWUZ) has finally been registered as a trade union under the Industrial Relations Act of 1991.

JAWUZ interim president, Peter Mwale expressed happiness with the development and advised members countrywide to remain calm, as the union had just been registered.

The certificate of registration indicates that JAWUZ was registered on July 8. "It is hereby certified that JAWUZ has been registered as a trade union under the Industrial Relations Act, 1991 this day 6th July 2009," reads the certificate.

Mr Mwale said the union would start negotiations for salaries and conditions of service immediately after the signing of a recognition agreement. He said JAWUZ was the only union in the judiciary throughout Zambia after judicial workers were de-linked from the Civil Servant and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ).

"There is need to change things in the judiciary. We will be signing a recognition agreement next week and after that work will start," he said.

He said the union had been working underground and that all that was remaining was to implement the plans and engage management so that they could work together in harmony.