Zimbabwe workers shocked by ruling

THE Supreme Court ruling yesterday that employers can terminate contracts of employment by giving three months notice has sent shockwaves across the labour fraternity in the country.

Workers who have enjoyed legislative protection from wanton dismissal by their employers are no longer safe, labour unions reacted.

A shocked Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president, George Nkiwane, said the court had stripped workers of all their rights.

"We're shocked as workers. All over the world we've never seen such a judgment. It's so sad," he said.

"This means workers no longer have any right or entitlement in this country. It means we can't plan for the future or tomorrow."

Nkiwane said the move will inflict harm on the economy.

"The economy can't perform without the security of workers and I wonder how people will survive. It will affect lending and the ability to pay as workers have no guaranteed security. We'll consult our legal team and map the way forward," he said.

Veteran unionist and leader of the other ZCTU faction, Lovemore Matombo described the ruling as "unfortunate" as it now gives "employers a blank cheque to do as they please. We'll issue a strong statement on this."

He added:

"The problem in Zimbabwe is that we've a Supreme Court that tries labour matters using common law and mixes these with criminal cases. It's high time we have a court of appeal at the Labour Court because very few workers have won cases through the Supreme Court."

Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions Matabeleland regional officer, Pardon Mangena said the ruling marked the darkest era for workers and industry at large.

"This is a bad day for workers as they can now be dismissed anytime. Industry is going to suffer more from this. We've been complaining of company closures and now we're going to see more workers leaving work in large numbers," fumed Mangena.

"The court has just said 'labour leave Zimbabwe and go to those countries that are starving'. It means we're taking our children to school for leisure and not in preparation for employment."

Mangena said the ruling is likely to affect industrial stability in terms of labour relations as workers were now "cornered to work with an axe on their necks. We've killed the spirit of workers. It's an advantage to those who own the means of production and that means workers can't air any grievances without being shown the exit door, with no pay."