New rules shift mining sector labour relations

THE National Employment Council (NEC) for the mining industry has announced the implementation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement under Statutory Instrument 71 of 2026, marking a significant shift in labour regulations within the sector.

The latest SI replaces the 34-year-old 1990 CBA and sees the introduction of 98-day paid maternity leave, regulates contract labour by effectively guaranteeing every mine worker a minimum employment term of 12 months.

In a notice issued on April 10, 2026, by the NEC general secretary, Mr T S Kabote, the council said the new agreement, which covers general working conditions, is now officially in effect and binding to all employers and employees in the mining industry.

“All employers are required to review and align their internal policies with these new regulations immediately,” reads part of the notice.

“Employees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these changes and cooperate fully to ensure a harmonious and compliant working environment.”

The new framework is expected to standardise labour practices across the mining sector, one of Zimbabwe’s key economic pillars, while strengthening compliance and improving workplace relations.

Mr Kabote said the implementation of the statutory instrument represents a collective effort to enhance fairness, safety and productivity in the industry.

The council emphasised the need for cooperation between employers and workers to ensure smooth adoption of the new regulations.

“Let us work together to promote a safer, fairer and more productive mining industry in Zimbabwe,” the notice reads.
The statutory instrument took effect on April 10, 2026. In an interview, the Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers union (ZDAMWU) secretary general, Mr Justice Chinhema, said they were celebrating their biggest achievements since admission into the NEC.

“We turn a historic page in the mining industry. The 34-year SI 152 of 1990 Collective Bargaining Agreement that no longer spoke to the realities, sacrifices and aspirations of mine workers is gone,” he said.

“With the registration of the SI 71 of 2026 Mining Industry General Conditions CBA, which repeals and replaces the old 1990 framework, workers now have a modern, rights-based agreement anchored in clear objectives, better protections and stronger procedures for enforcement,” said Mr Chinhema.

While acknowledging that the agreement is not entirely perfect, the union said it nevertheless represents a significant breakthrough, adding that it remains a hard-won victory by workers for workers, a complete overhaul of an outdated regime and lays a solid foundation for workers to push further.

“We welcome, in particular, the taming of abusive contract regimes through clearer rules on fixed-term contracts and contract workers, including the principle that contracts must not be used indefinitely to deny workers permanency and security of employment,” he said.

“The new CBA entrenches maternity rights with 98 days fully paid maternity leave, retention of seniority and benefits during maternity, and paid breastfeeding time for nursing mothers, marking a major step forward for women in mining,” said Mr Chinhema.

Protection against workplace misconduct has also been reinforced, with the agreement aligning disciplinary provisions with the Labour Act and explicitly recognising sexual harassment as a serious offence that can result in dismissal.

“These provisions speak directly to dignity at work, job security and gender justice in our sector,” said Mr Chinhema.
Looking ahead, ZDAMWU said its focus will shift to improving allowances under Schedule F, noting that transport, housing, underground risk, heat and night work allowances are central to the daily realities of mine workers.

The union also pledged to intensify efforts towards securing a genuine living wage, arguing that current basic rates must move beyond survival levels to guarantee dignity for workers and their families.

“This CBA is a beginning, not an end. ZDAMWU will use this new platform to demand continuous improvements until every mineworker enjoys safe work, fair pay and a life of dignity on and off the mine,” said Mr Chinhema.