Govt vows crackdown on unlawful retrenchments

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo has warned that government will not tolerate improper retrenchments, pledging investigations into ongoing layoffs to ensure they comply with labour laws.

Speaking at the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (Emcoz) annual congress and general meeting, held under the theme Social Dialogue for Economic and Social Transformation, Moyo said some retrenchments appeared to be conducted haphazardly or used to settle personal disputes.

"You need to ensure fair labour practices happen. Yes, there will always be disputes, but especially when it comes to retrenchments, I have asked my officers to go into industry to check what is driving them. When you find a retrenchment is targeted, you wonder what is happening. Is that one person such a burden that the company is on fire because of them? Then, in the next two months, that position is filled by another. So retrenchments become another route for trying to settle scores at the workplace," he said.

Moyo revealed that the ministry was developing a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) to provide critical data on skills shortages, market trends and employment patterns. He said the system would improve workforce planning and support evidence-based policy formulation, leading to more efficient job matching and stronger labour markets.

The minister urged employers, workers and stakeholders to embrace open dialogue and collaboration to strengthen the economy. "Let this congress commit to implementing the resolutions and strategies agreed upon here, ensuring tangible improvements for your members and the economy," he said, stressing that upholding fair labour practices both protected workers and enhanced productivity.

Emcoz president Denis Mbauya, however, highlighted the difficult business environment that continues to stifle formal enterprises. He said high taxes, levies, utility costs and regulatory burdens were pushing businesses into bankruptcy and accelerating the growth of the informal sector. "The cost of doing business in Zimbabwe remains high. Enterprises continue to carry significant overheads that limit their competitiveness," Mbauya noted.

He urged government to expedite policy reforms across all sectors and create space for youth inclusion through job training and entrepreneurship programmes.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Florence Taruvinga added that building trust and cooperation between parties during negotiations was critical for fostering mutual understanding and protecting workers' rights.