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Freedom Mupanedemo-Midlands Bureau
The first workers committee at the US$1 billion Manhize Iron and Steel plant in Mvuma was elected on Monday under supervision of the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
The election was conducted in terms of the Labour Act, and was supervised by the ministry to create the worker-employer liaison channel for the massive plant which is set to employ over 3 000 people.
In a letter addressed to Dinson Iron & Steel Company, provincial principal labour officer Mr Tafadzwa Mahachi confirmed that he conducted the workers committee election at Disco.
Twenty-six candidates were nominated to contest the nine seats in the workers’ committee, with each department choosing its representative.
Mr Mahachi was optimistic that the election would pave way for better rapport between the workers and their employer.
“A workers’ committee is an important institution in the workplace as it bridges the gap between management and employees,” said Mr Mahachi.
“In terms of the Labour Act, workers committees are important as they help to advance democracy in the workplace by promoting the participation of employees in decisions affecting their interests in the workplace by representing employees concerned in any matter affecting their rights and interests; negotiating with the employer collective bargaining agreements relating to the terms and conditions of employment of their constituency; and participating in the works council where matters of mutual interests are discussed, that is, health and safety issues, remuneration, growth of the company, survival of the company, productivity issues etc.”
Mr Mahachi said it was imperative for parties to the employment relationship to understand that they were allies and not rivals, hence the need for work together and secure mutual cooperation on common interests and problems.
Dinson project director, Mr Wilfred Motsi, welcomed the creation of the workers’ committee.
“As a company, we are fully supportive of this structure which was born out of due process and law. We had long prepared and anticipated that our workers would be able to organise themselves. This ensures that their voices can be heard.”
The steel plant, expected to be the biggest in Africa, is now 50 percent complete for the first phase.
The company is slowly turning Manhize area in Mvuma into a town and will provide permanent accommodation to employees that will comprise amenities such as accommodation, a clinic, a stadium and recreational centre.
On the community development side, the company has a number of initiatives to empower society, through a community investment fund.
Online Reporter