Work on TNF draft Bill begins

The TNF is a platform for social dialogue that brings together Government, business and labour.
Established in 1998, the TNF is a voluntary and unlegislated organisation in which social partners engage to discuss, negotiate and co-operate on broader social and economic issues.
In an interview, Labour and Social Services secretary Mr Lancaster Museka confirmed that the AG’s Office was currently working on the draft Bill.
This followed a TNF Technical Committee consensus building workshop towards the drafting of the TNF Bill held in Masvingo last month.
“Yes, we held a meeting to build consensus between the TNF constituencies and the legal drafters who will be responsible for drafting the TNF Bill,” said Mr Museka.
“As you already know, this follows a decision adopted by the TNF in its meeting of September 4, 2010 to transform the TNF into a legislated chamber.”
Since inception the TNF had been operating on a voluntary basis hence the need for the enactment of a new Act of Parliament.
“Various options for enactment for legislation of the TNF were considered and it was realised that the enactment of a new Act of Parliament is the best option given that the scope and functions of the TNF are not contemplated in any existing legislation,” he said.
The consensus building workshop was attended by key stakeholders including officers from the AG‘s Office responsible for legal drafting and TNF members.
The workshop came at a time Cabinet had approved drafting of the TNF Bill, which when enacted, will provide for the observance by parties of fundamental principles that guide the social dialogue process for it to be meaningful, sustainable and effective.
Once enacted into law the Bill will transform the forum from an ad hoc body into a formal institution capable of fostering stakeholder commitment.
The legislation would also demonstrate political will to adopt social dialogue as a vehicle for socio-economic progress.