Varun Beverages cited over labour rights violations

A formal report has been lodged with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) accusing Varun Beverages of serious labour violations against its employees in Zimbabwe.

The local unit, a subsidiary of Indian multinational Varun Beverages Limited, began operations in the country in 2018. It produces and distributes a wide range of beverages and holds exclusive distribution rights for several snack brands.

In a letter dated January 22, 2026, the Beverages and Allied Products Workers Union of Zimbabwe (BAPWUZ) secretary-general, Runesu Dzimiri, raised concerns over the company's refusal to facilitate trade union activities in line with the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01].

According to BAPWUZ, the union approached the company on September 16, 2025, to submit membership joining forms and stop-order instructions to implement the check-off system under Section 54 of the Labour Act. The union also sought to notify the company of its intention to hold a general meeting with employees as provided under Section 7(2) of the Act.

However, the union alleges that company staff, including a receptionist and a Public Relations Manager who refused to identify themselves, declined to accept the documents, claiming the Human Resources Officer, Ms/Mr N. Nhimba, was in a meeting. Multiple follow-ups in 2025 reportedly yielded no progress, with the company presenting varying excuses.

A meeting booked for January 14, 2026, was postponed by the company, and a new date of January 21 was again rejected, with management insisting the union could only meet employees in March 2026.

"It is the Union's firm view that Varun Beverages (Pvt) Ltd is violating provisions of the Labour Act, particularly those guaranteeing trade union rights, freedom of association, and the obligation to facilitate lawful trade union activities," Dzimiri wrote in the letter.

The union also expressed concern over employment practices at the company. Sources allege that out of approximately 1,500 employees, around 90% of locals are on fixed-term contracts while only 10% enjoy permanent employment. In contrast, most foreign employees with close ties to the company reportedly hold permanent positions.

Contract durations reportedly vary by role: three months for general workers, six months for operators, and one year for supervisors and junior local managers. The union further claims that employees are being threatened against joining the trade union, with reports suggesting that some union leaders' contracts were not renewed.

When contacted, Varun Beverages Human Resources Officer Allan Chigava declined to comment, referring all inquiries to the company's legal representative, whose contact details were not provided.

The ZCTU is expected to investigate the allegations, which highlight ongoing concerns about labour rights, employment practices, and freedom of association at one of Zimbabwe's prominent beverage manufacturers.