admin
Mandaza Chikarango
Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Professionals Nurses Union president Mr Robert Chiduku, has been fired for conducting union business inconsistent to the union’s ethos. The dismissal stems from a meeting which he is alleged to have convened and conducted at Gweru Provincial Hospital during working hours.
The Herald is in possession of a letter from the disciplinary authority S Jailos terminating Chiduku’s employment in the public service, the judgement was delivered following a disciplinary hearing held on the 5 of August 2022.
“I found you guilty of Particular III in terms of Section 4 (a) of Labour (National Employment Code of Conduct) Regulations. S I 15 of 2006 “Any act of conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of your employment contract” by conducting your union business during business hours which you did within the premises your employer without his consent,” reads part of the letter.
“Your conduct is a serious breach of your employment contract and warrants a dismissal under the above cited section as charged. In coming up with the penalty, I took into account your submissions in mitigation the penalty. I also took into account submission in aggravation by the Complainant, only in regards to this particular charge you are found guilty.
The letter further found Chiduku guilty on particular three in terms of section 4 (a) of labour (National employment code of conduct) regulations S 1 15 of 2006 ) Any act of conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of your employment contract by conducting your Union business during business hours which you did within the premises of your employer without his consent, ‘ reads part of the letter.
Mr Jailos said improper conduct by Mr Chiduku undermines the business of the employer as he is the national provider of health care services to the people. Mr Jailos said Chiduku’s actions demonstrates incredible disrespect to sanctity and critical business thereof.
“I also took into account that your improper conduct undermines the business of the employer as he is the national provider of health care services to the citizenry. The nature of the violation, which to me clearly goes to the root of your employment contract, demonstrates incredible disrespect to sanctity and critical business thereof.
“On the basis of the disciplinary hearing held, I have no option but serve to order a summary dismissal with immediate effect,” Mr Jairos said.
ZPNU secretary general Douglas Chikobvu said they will be appealing against what he described as ‘a vicious and unfair’ decision.
“Today, the Government has formally purged Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union president Robert Emmanuel Chiduku. It’s a bad day for trade unionism and the nursing fraternity. Any progressive labour body faces persecution under the regime.
”This is a bad day for the nurses and trade unionism. We are definitely contesting this by formally appealing against this vicious and unfair verdict,” said Chikobvu.
Chiduku has been given seven days from the receipt of the letter to appeal against the ruling.
Online Reporter