SPAR Zimbabwe Accused of Unfair Labour Practices

I joined PRWWUZ on my own accord because I believe it represents my interests, but the amount of pressure from HR to abandon it infringes upon my rights,” said one of the workers.Another employee claimed they were being victimised for their union membership.“It looks like we are now being targeted simply for being members of PRWWUZ. Most of us have been denied access to loans, and our contracts were reduced from one year to three months. I believe it’s orchestrated,” said the worker, who requested anonymity for fear of further victimisation.In an interview, PRWWUZ General Secretary Phillip Mafundu confirmed that the union was aware of the grievances raised by workers.“I can confirm that the issues raised are prevalent at SPAR.

Management is aware of them, and there has been correspondence to that effect,” Mafundu said.He added that the union has issued a communiqué to its members outlining the legal steps it will take should the alleged malpractices persist.When contacted for comment, SPAR Corporate Affairs Executive Moses Chihuri declined to give a general response without specific details of the aggrieved workers and their complaints.“Unfortunately, I can’t provide a general response. We employ in excess of 2,000 employees. As a responsible corporate , we abide by the dictates of the laws of the land,” Chihuri said.He added that workers “know the channels to engage us if there is a problem.”Last month, two former SPAR employees, Tafadzwa Chanetsa and Joyce Jongwe, won their labour disputes against the retail chain and are now seeking damages for unfair dismissal.

Messages from a WhatsApp group of the aggrieved workers, seen by this publication, allege that employees are being coerced to leave the Progressive Retail and Wholesale Workers Union of Zimbabwe (PRWWUZ) in favour of a company-preferred union. “What’s happening at SPAR is disturbing. I joined PRWWUZ on my own accord because I believe it represents my interests, but the amount of pressure from HR to abandon it infringes upon my rights,” said one of the workers.

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Another employee claimed they were being victimised for their union membership. “It looks like we are now being targeted simply for being members of PRWWUZ. I believe it’s orchestrated,” said the worker, who requested anonymity for fear of further victimisation.

In an interview, PRWWUZ General Secretary Phillip Mafundu confirmed that the union was aware of the grievances raised by workers. “I can confirm that the issues raised are prevalent at SPAR. Management is aware of them, and there has been correspondence to that effect,” Mafundu said.

He added that the union has issued a communiqué to its members outlining the legal steps it will take should the alleged malpractices persist. When contacted for comment, SPAR Corporate Affairs Executive Moses Chihuri declined to give a general response without specific details of the aggrieved workers and their complaints.

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