Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE National Employment Council for Agricultural Industry in Zimbabwe (NECAIZ) has warned members of the public to be wary of bogus officials who claim to have established a new national employment council in the agriculture sector.
In a notice, NECAIZ clarified that an employment council was only legally valid if it had been formed through the signing of a constitution by both employer organisations and registered trade unions.
This is followed by a successful registration with the registrar in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and currently, NECAIZ is the sole registered national employment council within the industry.
The council oversees several sub sectors, including agro, horticulture, kapenta, sugarcane, tea and coffee and timber.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals and companies are claiming that there is now a new national employment council in the agriculture industry. Please note that this is not correct,” said NECAIZ in a notice.
“So far, there is only one registered national employment council in the agriculture industry namely, National Employment Council for Agricultural Industry in Zimbabwe (NECAIZ). Please note that every person (natural or artificial) involved in the agriculture industry is bound by the collective bargaining agreements applicable in the industry.”
NECAIZ further cautioned that failure to comply with these agreements can result in serious legal consequences.
Offenders may face claims of unfair labour practices under the Labour Act, with penalties including fines up to level seven or imprisonment for up to two years.
“This notice serves as a reminder to all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to remain vigilant against misinformation and to adhere to the established regulations governing employment practices.”
