Source: Dialogue key in labour relations: President – herald
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT is committed to the full operationalisation of the Tripartite Negotiating Forum to ensure a shared national vision among social partners, President Mnangagwa has said.
The President said this in his statement to mark Workers Day that was commemorated worldwide yesterday.
The TNF is a platform that was created by the TNF Act in 2019 where Government and its social partners, organised labour and organised business meet to consult and negotiate on social and economic issues concerning the country.
“Negotiations under the National Joint Negotiating Council, including through periodic remuneration reviews, have witnessed improvements in working conditions and industrial relations.
“The full operationalisation of the TNF is being prioritised by my Government to promote effective social dialogue and entrench the shared national vision among social partners,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added that to ensure compliance with labour standards, Government was scaling up inspections to enforce regulations governing the workplace.
“We are determined to continually raise awareness on the importance of compliance to occupational health and safety standards, as outlined in our country’s labour laws.
“All entities, both big and small, have a duty to play in the quest to achieve decent work as well as the reduction of workplace accidents and fatalities. While the inter-agency initiative involving several ministries, departments and agencies carried out joint inspections across the country’s mining sector in 2024, a lot still needs to be done.
“This programme will be rolled out to other sectors as we shift focus and implement strategies that close the gaps and deficiencies in terms of promoting decent work,” he said.
The President added that in line with the National Labour Migration Policy, Government was working on ensuring the safe and well-coordinated migration of the country’s skilled personnel as well as the protection of Zimbabwean expatriates working abroad.
“The notable increase in Diaspora remittances is testament that our country is benefiting from its huge investment in developing skilled human capital.
“We stand ready to scale up engagements within the framework of both the International Organisation for Migration and International Labour Organisation to address migration challenges and strengthen labour market conditions.
“Our country further welcomes partnerships, technical cooperation, capacity building and shared knowledge on best practices, from across the world,” he said.
He also said the National Employment Policy Framework was being reviewed to provide clear pathways for job creation, entrepreneurship and skills development.
“This mechanism will be complemented by the robust pursuit of a Formalisation Strategy to bring our informal sector into the mainstream economy,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also challenged the National Social Security Authority to intensify efforts to extend social security coverage to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, particularly women and youth, who bear the brunt of inadequate social protection and poor working conditions.
Meanwhile, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, has commended the country’s workers’ commitment to work.
“Your dedication, hard work and passion are the foundation upon which our progress is built. We honour your commitment and recognise the vital role you play in driving our economy and shaping our communities.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting decent work and protecting workers’ rights. To ensure compliance with labour standards, we will intensify workplace inspections and enforce regulations, prioritising workplace safety and health for all workers.
“We are also strengthening social dialogue through the TNF bringing together Government, Employers and Workers to shape a shared national vision,” Minister Moyo said.
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