Online Reporter
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE recorded nearly 4 000 labour disputes last year with 88 percent of them being resolved amid concerns that Artificial Intelligence and automation is threatening job security.
Official statistics indicate that a total of 3 935 labour disputes were handled last year with 3 463 being resolved in the same year.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Permanent Secretary, Mr Simon Masanga, revealed this yesterday as he delivered his opening remarks to Zimbabwe-Namibia bilateral exchange meeting that is ongoing in Bulawayo.
The exchange programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on labour related matters.
The five-day meeting is attended by workers unions from both private and public sectors, employers and Government officials from both countries.
“The disputes range from unfair dismissals, wage disputes, which are common, contracts violations and unfair labour practices and workplace safety concerns,” said Mr Masanga.
He said the statistics highlight the agent need for an effective and adaptable dispute resolution mechanism that caters for the evolving labour market landscape.
“Our engagement today provides an opportunity to share insights on how best to improve the resolution process including the integration of technology and innovative dispute resolution tools,” said Mr Masanga.
He said through collaboration under the Tripartite Negotiating Forum, which brings under one roof, the Government, employers and employees, Zimbabwe has seen reduced work-related tensions while harmonious industrial relations have been created.
Mr Masanga said the advent of new technologies including AI has presented new labour related challenges and is threatening job security.
“The world of work is rapidly changing, influenced by technological advancements, global pandemics like Covid-19 and climate change,” he said.
“The advent of AI and automation is reshaping traditional employment structures, raising concerns about job security, fair wages and protection of workers’ rights.
“As AI continues to permeate into workplaces new forms of labour disputes may arise necessitating adaptive and forward-looking dispute resolution mechanisms that account for algorithm decision making, data privacy and equitable access to opportunities.”
Mr Masanga said with the technology-related changes it is imperative that policy frameworks and legal instruments are made agile and responsive to these changes to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the digital era.
He said the Judicial Service Commission’s Electronic Case Management System, is an example of an innovative way that has brought efficiency in the management of labour disputes.
“The use of electronic systems will be crucial in ensuring faster, more organised and cost effective dispute resolution mechanisms that benefit both employers and employees,” said Mr Masanga. “Similarly, the shift towards green jobs and sustainable employment presents both opportunities and challenges.
“They also demand new skills and training and policies that support a just transition ensuring that dispute resolution mechanisms address potential conflicts arising as a result of technology,” he added.
Mr Masanga challenged employment departments in Zimbabwe and Namibia to integrate those that have been displaced by technologies in the workplace.
He said labour experts should understand that protection of human rights and fair standards in the workplace remain a cornerstone of dispute resolutions and sustainable economic development.
Mr Masanga said policies should also address the challenges affecting workers in the informal sector.
“Our legal frameworks must also ensure that vulnerable workers including those in the informal economy are provided with adequate legal recourse in cases of unfair treatment,” said Mr Masanga.
He said the meeting provides an opportunity and platform to examine how the two countries can modernise and adapt dispute resolution strategies in response to the dynamic changes.
Mr Masanga said labour bilateral arrangements should create a foundational base for further collaboration between the two countries bound by mutual respect.
Namibia’s Labour Commissioner who is leading the Namibian delegation, Mrs Kyllikki Sihlahla, expressed optimism that the exchange visit will strengthen labour relations between the two countries.
She said Namibia is already home to scores of Zimbabweans who work in that country
“We acknowledge that Namibia and Zimbabwe have unique social economic context that shape their labour market and regulatory framework. However, we share a common commitment to upholding the principles of fair labour practices and promoting harmonious industrial relations,” she said.
“By drawing from collective experiences, we can identify and implement best practices that will not only resolve disputes effectively but also prevent them from arising in the first place.”
Mrs Sihlahla said the two countries can develop actionable strategies that not only address disputes but also foster a culture of fairness accountability and mutual respect in labour relations across our nations. — @nqotshili
