THE Institute of People’s Management of Zimbabwe (Ipmz) will later this month convene a labour market symposium as part of efforts to update industry and business on new developments in labour laws.
GAMMA MUDARIKIRI OWN CORRESPONDENT
The labour briefing came amid concerns the country’s labour laws were rigid and hampered the revival of industry which is in the doldrums.
The symposium, slated for November 22, is expected to focus on the 2014 labour market outlook — specifically on the challenges and opportunities available for the industry.
In an interview with Southern Eye Business, Ipmz business development executive Luckmore Murape said the industry was engaging the Labour and Social Welfare minister Nicholas Goche, also expected to give the keynote address at the symposium, over a possible review of the labour laws.
“Industry is hoping for the intervention of the new labour minister to push for the amendment of the labour laws and that is why we have called him for this briefing” Murape said.
Goche is expected to address issues relating to creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development.
The briefing is also expected to focus on the new Bill of Rights, specifically on how it is harmonising labour laws and their relevance to the contemporary business management system.
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Focus would also be on the analysis of bargaining trends this year and for 2014 which has been criticised as skewed in favour of workers.
Zimbabwe is ranked among countries with the most stringent labour laws which have been blamed for the slow recovery of industry.
Industry capacity utilisation this year plunged to 39,6% from 44% partly attributed to high labour costs in spite of other plethora of challenges including unavailability of working capital, erratic power suppliers and antiquated machinery which collectively pushed up operating costs.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries congress held in Bulawayo recently resolved that there was urgent need for the review of labour laws in the country which were blamed for worsening the economic woes besetting companies in the country.
Economic commentator Erich Bloch said labour laws in Zimbabwe contributed towards the slowdown of the economy, adding that the government should urgently move to review the legislation.
“The labour laws are currently protecting the worker only and not the employer. Under such an economic environment such scenario is increasing the risk of industry collapse,” Bloch added.
