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Companies should not sacrifice employees’ rights and interests in pursuit of profits but must adhere to fair labour practices, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Nicholas Goche has said. Speaking during the Collective Bargaining Summit in Harare recently, Minister Goche said employers should respect the workers’ expectations.
“They expect their salaries to be reviewed and paid above the poverty datum line of which the labour market cannot afford. We have seen workers going for several months without salaries, resulting in collective job actions and subsequent dismissal of employees. This is sacrificing the workers’ rights in pursuit of profits,” he said.
The summit, organised by the Institute of People Management of Zimbabwe, was held under the theme: “New Order, Diverse Expectations: Aligning for Sustainable Growth and Development.” Minister Goche said the economy did not perform to expectation this year, resulting in some companies downsizing their workforce.
“From January to September 2013, 1 560 employees have been retrenched as compared to 1 632 for the same period last year. The manufacturing sector is the worst affected as the country continues to rely on imported materials, thereby affecting viability of local manufacturers.”
Minister Goche said there was a need for finding lasting solutions to such problems and bringing stability at workplaces.
“Government is trying to create a conducive environment by improving on labour legislation,” he said.
Online Reporter