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Mr Poem Mudyawabikwa, revealed this in an interview last week.
The aim was to monitor compliance with the Labour Act by NECs and unions, and adherence to their respective constitutions.
“This year, we aim to increase our visibility as the Ministry of Labour through inspections.
“We will be rolling out a plan to reach out to all workers unions, NECs, employment agents and other stakeholders,” said Mr Mudyawabikwa.
The ministry would carry out a survey on coverage of workers’ welfare by trade unions and what they stood to benefit as members.
The team would also liase with the Ministry of Public Service and the Health Services Board, whose workers had their own unions.
NECs that were not serving their purpose and that did not fully represent workers’ interests risked de-registration.
“Such dubious NECs are against the ILO Decent Work Agenda and we’ll monitor them to protect workers’ funds that should be used for legitimate purposes.
“We’ve received reports that some NECs and trade unions are working in cahoots and holding marathon meetings then demanding dubious meeting allowances,” he said.
Some of NECs were said to be holding up to three d meetings per day and demanding allowances of up to US$150 per sitting.
Mr Mudyawabikwa said some meetings were conveniently deadlocked to allow more sittings where more allowances would be paid.
“There has also been an increase in the subversion of workers’ levies by NECs and trade unions, who subtract a certain percentage after every quarter from the levies.
“They virtually share the spoils, yet the money should be used for capacity building,” he said.
NEC secretary-generals would now be required to submit returns to the Ministry of Labour, while internal auditors would inspect the NEC books of accounts.
Mr Mudyawabikwa castigated the prevailing trend where NEC councillors and secretary generals were seconded by trade unions, while some of them already held influential positions within the respective unions.
He said they would be advocating for the election of independent councillors into NEC positions, with a limited term of office.
Online Reporter