Govt consults to improve labour reforms

via Govt consults to improve labour reforms | The Zimbabwean 18.11.13 by Clayton Masekesa

Justice Minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has announced that government is currently consulting social partners to enhance labour reforms that provide fundamental rights and principles at work.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Catherine Maveneke, on the official opening of a high dialogue meeting on International Labour Standards at a local hotel in Mutare today, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe attached great importance to human rights at the workplace.

Said Mnangagwa: “Zimbabwe is continuously domesticating the labour instruments that are enshrined in the International labour standards into our national legislation and practice.”

He added that the new constitution of Zimbabwe, adopted in March this year, provided for fundamental rights, among them engaging in collective bargaining.

“The country has rights that allow workers to have collective job action and related activities. The workers have the right to safe and fair labour standards. This demonstrates the political will of the government of Zimbabwe in fulfilling the objectives that are set out to achieve through the ratification of the International Labour Organisation instruments,” he added.

The minister said the independent commissions such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission played a crucial role in ensuring that labour rights were enshrined in the constitution.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the ILO Country Office Director, Alphonse Tabi-Abodo said international labour standards were an essential component for international development.

“This ensures that the growth of global economy provides benefits to all and this results in social justice. Labour is not a product that can be negotiated for the highest profit or the lowest price. Work is part of everyone’s daily life and is crucial to a person’s dignity, well-being and development as a human being” said Alphonse Tabi-Abodo.

He said African countries should prioritise job creation.