The overall objective of the baseline survey was to identify key collective bargaining issues for public sector unions in Zambia in order to provide a concrete basis for developing strategic options and responses as part of the planning process. To analyse the context of collective bargaining including an overview of institutional arrangements and the legislative environment with a specific focus on trade union rights in relation to organising and bargaining in the public service in Zambia; (ii) To assess the trade union density in the public service in Zambia, including a breakdown of existing membership and leadership by gender; (iii) To benchmark public service wages levels against inflation and living level measures; (iv) To establish conditions of employment in relation to hours of work, health, security, family responsibility and HIV/AIDS; and (v) To assess the extent of member participation in collective bargaining processes. The survey adopted an approach based on inductive research methodology. The study has shown that Zambia’s legal framework guarantees the right of civil servants to the formation of trade unions as well as their recognition for collective bargaining. On the other hand, it was also seen that the functionality of the collective bargaining machinery in the public service is not without shortcomings. The conclusion the study reaches is that public sector unions in Zambia are in need of capacity building for improved collective bargaining, recruitment and organising/reorganising.