Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business HubTHE Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) has called for the strengthening of the labour standards in the country to reshape the workplace in line with international levels.International standards, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlight the need for fair wages, written contracts, protection from unfair dismissal and safe working environments.Speaking at the EMCOZ Annual Congress and AGM in Bulawayo, EMCOZ president, Mr Demos Mbauya said reshaping the workplace required labour standards to be seen as a passport to global markets, investment and social justice.“On occupational safety and health (OSH) as a fundamental right, the global community has recognised OSH as a fundamental right. For Zimbabwe, this means the Occupational Safety and Health Bill must be practical, affordable and applicable to both traditional workplaces and new forms of work, including remote and platform-based jobs,” he said.“On violence and harassment, the global consensus now rejects violence and harassment in the workplace, whether physical, verbal, or online. Zimbabwean companies must strengthen workplace policies, grievance mechanisms and organisational cultures to ensure dignity and respect for all workers.”He said on supply chain due diligence, international buyers were increasingly demanding compliance with labour, human rights and environmental standards, while for Zimbabwe, exporters must comply to remain part of global value chains, with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) requiring support to meet these requirements.Mr Mbauya said on platform work and non-standard employment, the ILO and global employer organisations were addressing protections for platform workers and those in non-standard employment.“For Zimbabwe, this is already relevant, given the prevalence of informal and gig work.
Labour policies must evolve accordingly. While from protection to productivity, there is growing recognition that labour standards not only protect rights but also enhance productivity. Zimbabwe must embrace this by treating labour standards as an enabler of competitiveness, not as a burden,” he added.He commended the Government for heeding business calls in recent months by reviewing and, in some cases, removing certain taxes and levies that were weighing heavily on industry.Mr Mbauya said these were positive steps in the right direction, but for the benefits to be fully realised, the appropriate policy and legal frameworks must be put in place expeditiously and reforms must be extended to cover all sectors of the economy.“Going forward, Zimbabwe can address the cost-of-doing-business challenge through further streamlining of regulatory approvals and licences, making processes simpler and faster.
Digitalisation of Government services will cut red tape and improve efficiency. While transparent and predictable tax policy will ensure fairness and stability for businesses,” he said.“There is need for investment in reliable infrastructure, particularly energy and transport which directly affects business costs. We are calling for dialogue-driven policy reforms, ensuring that business perspectives are fully integrated before changes are implemented.”He called on for all employers’ and business member organisations (EBMOs) in Zimbabwe to collaborate, to work together, and to speak with one voice, as only through unity of purpose can the private sector effectively advance its interests, engage constructively with Government and labour, and shape a sustainable socio-economic future for Zimbabwe.The two day event is running under the theme: “Social Dialogue for Economic and Social Transformation.”Leave a ReplyCancel reply Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Business HubTHE Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) has called for the strengthening of the labour standards in the country to reshape the workplace in line with international levels.International standards, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlight the need for fair wages, written contracts, protection from unfair dismissal and safe working environments.Speaking at the EMCOZ Annual Congress and AGM in Bulawayo, EMCOZ president, Mr Demos Mbauya said reshaping the workplace required labour standards to be seen as a passport to global markets, investment and social justice.“On occupational safety and health (OSH) as a fundamental right, the global community has recognised OSH as a fundamental right.
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We are calling for dialogue-driven policy reforms, ensuring that business perspectives are fully integrated before changes are implemented.”He called on for all employers’ and business member organisations (EBMOs) in Zimbabwe to collaborate, to work together, and to speak with one voice, as only through unity of purpose can the private sector effectively advance its interests, engage constructively with Government and labour, and shape a sustainable socio-economic future for Zimbabwe.The two day event is running under the theme: “Social Dialogue for Economic and Social Transformation.” THE Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (EMCOZ) has called for the strengthening of the labour standards in the country to reshape the workplace in line with international levels. International standards, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlight the need for fair wages, written contracts, protection from unfair dismissal and safe working environments. Speaking at the EMCOZ Annual Congress and AGM in Bulawayo, EMCOZ president, Mr Demos Mbauya said reshaping the workplace required labour standards to be seen as a passport to global markets, investment and social justice.
“On occupational safety and health (OSH) as a fundamental right, the global community has recognised OSH as a fundamental right. For Zimbabwe, this means the Occupational Safety and Health Bill must be practical, affordable and applicable to both traditional workplaces and new forms of work, including remote and platform-based jobs,” he said. “On violence and harassment, the global consensus now rejects violence and harassment in the workplace, whether physical, verbal, or online.
Zimbabwean companies must strengthen workplace policies, grievance mechanisms and organisational cultures to ensure dignity and respect for all workers.” He said on supply chain due diligence, international buyers were increasingly demanding compliance with labour, human rights and environmental standards, while for Zimbabwe, exporters must comply to remain part of global value chains, with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) requiring support to meet these requirements. Mr Mbauya said on platform work and non-standard employment, the ILO and global employer organisations were addressing protections for platform workers and those in non-standard employment. “For Zimbabwe, this is already relevant, given the prevalence of informal and gig work. Zimbabwe must embrace this by treating labour standards as an enabler of competitiveness, not as a burden,” he added.
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