eBusiness Weekly
Business Writer
Government has stepped up efforts to amend labour laws to come up with relevant legislation that balances the interests of both the employer and employees with a Labour Bill expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, an official has said.
Speaking during a recent launch of a three-year (2019-2021) strategic plan for National Employment Council (NEC) for Agriculture, Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Social Welfare Registrar Grace Kanyai, said Government was committed to balance decent labour standards and market efficiency.
“That is why Government with the social partners that is, business and labour are undertaking labour law reform to amend the labour laws and promulgate new legislation relevant to the world of work in Zimbabwe. We have received inputs from social partners for consideration,” she said.
“It is anticipated that with these inputs a final bill will be drafted that will be tabled before Parliament.
“Considerable progress is being made with regards to the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Bill which is now before the parliamentary portfolio committee.”
Kanyai said Government delegated labour administration to employment councils such as the NEC for agriculture to allow smooth flow of labour negotiations.
“We gather to launch the strategic plan, website and case management system for NEC Agriculture. In particular the case management system will go a long way in easing the work of labour administration in agricultural sector,” she said.
“The NEC for Agriculture said the new strategic plan to turnaround the organisation was critical as it comes at a time when the economy was poised for growth as part of the economic stabilisation programme.
“The economy of our nation relies heavily on the agricultural sector so the role of the employment council cannot be underestimated. The employment council for the agricultural industry is at the centre of maintaining industrial harmony that will enable players in the sector to be productive.
“I want to commend council for performing its collective bargaining, inspectorate and training function as well as serving on the symposium organising committee.
‘‘The timeous negotiation of wages and putting in place the capping agreements is commendable. I urge council to complete negotiation of agreements for other remaining sectors.”
NEC for Agriculture chief executive office David Madyausiku, said as part of the three year strategic plan, the organisation was committed to improve labour relations between farmers and their workers.
The organisation is also targeting to achieve financial stability, unmatched customer service, strong corporate governance and groom top-notch human capital.
He said, “The thrust is to ensure that we are visible in the industry as a key partner. The introduction of the case management system will help us stay on top of all cases brought to the NEC. This is will see expeditious resolution of matters and easier tracking by management.”
The NEC for Agriculture is also mobilising resources worth thousands of dollars to be handed over to Cyclone Idai victims in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
“We hope that the agriculture industry will recover from the adverse effects of Cyclone Idai. We also commend the spirit of Ubuntu/Hunhu shown by Zimbabweans during the disaster,” said Madyausiku.
