Interim workers’ committee not recognised: Ministry

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THE Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry has said the interim Gweru City Council workers’ committee cannot be recognised as it is not constituted in terms of labour laws.

THE Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry has said the interim Gweru City Council workers’ committee cannot be recognised as it is not constituted in terms of labour laws.

Stephen Chadenga OWN CORRESPONDENT

In a letter seen by Southern Eye, the provincial labour office had, on January 28, acknowledged receipt of a vote-of-no-confidence motion from Gweru employees on their representatives.

Leaders from rival unions passed a vote of no confidence on the Zimbabwe Urban Council Workers’ Union Gweru branch executive on January 13 accusing it of failing to represent the interests of workers.

“This minute serves to acknowledge the receipt of the circular confirming the majority decision on passing a vote of no confidence to all the union representatives in place and setting up interim workers’ representatives pending the workers’ committee elections,” reads part of the letter signed by principal labour officer, a Mr L Maposa.

“There is no workers’ committee that shall be recognised and named as such if not instituted in terms of the Labour Act.

“You are, therefore, required to write to our office inviting us to the workers’ committee as a matter of urgency.”

The interim committee led by Silas Mutendeudzwa as chairperson wrote to workers on the same date notifying them of elections to be held on February 3 to elect a new committee.

But elections failed to take place as the labour office wrote another letter dated January 29, saying the workers’ committee purportedly booted out was to remain in office.

“Please be advised hereby that the workers’ committee that was elected remains in office,” stated the letter signed by provincial labour and administration officer Lackson Maburutse.

“The said interim workers’ committee cannot be recognised, as it is not constituted in terms of the law.

“This minute, therefore, serves to withdraw the advice that was given to cause elections of a workers’ committee.”