PUBLIC Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Edgar Moyo says the government will no longer tolerate improper retrenchment exercises.
Moyo said the ministry would launch investigations into the ongoing layoffs to ensure they are conducted lawfully.
He said this during his address at the Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe (Emcoz) annual congress and annual general meeting being held under the theme Social Dialogue for Economic and Social Transformation.
Moyo expressed concern over retrenchments that are not carried out systematically.
He said ministry officials would investigate if the layoffs are being used to settle personal scores.
“You need to ensure fair labour practices happen,” Moyo said.
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“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.”
Moyo revealed efforts being made to establish a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) to provide critical data on market trends, skills shortages and employment patterns.
“Leveraging on the LMIS can improve workforce planning, identify gaps in skills training and support evidence-based policy formulation, ultimately leading to more efficient labour markets and better job matching,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to maintain open dialogue and collaboration to build a resilient and inclusive economy.
“I urge the organisers to foster an environment of open dialogue . . . Let this congress commit to implementing the resolutions and strategies agreed upon here, ensuring tangible improvements for your members and the economy.”
He emphasised that upholding fair labour practices protected workers’ rights while enhancing productivity and industry reputation.
Emcoz president Denis Mbauya, however, lamented the harsh business conditions prevailing in the country, which he said have pushed formal businesses into bankruptcy and accelerated the growth of the informal sector.
He called on the government to address taxation and compliance issues.
“The cost of doing business in Zimbabwe remains high.
“From multiple taxes and levies to high utility costs and regulatory burdens, enterprises continue to carry significant overheads that limit their competitiveness,” Mbauya stated.
He said there should be expedited policy reforms across all economic sectors.
Mbauya stressed the need for greater inclusivity by involving youth through job training and entrepreneurship programmes.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions president Florence Taruvinga emphasised the importance of trust and co-operation during negotiations to
foster mutual understanding between parties.