The Labour Court has ordered the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) to pay $1,5 million in outstanding salaries and allowances to its 26 employees, effectively ending a labour dispute that had dragged on for the past two years.
By Alois Vinga
The ruling recorded under Labour Court judgment code LC/H/224/2015 was jointly made by Justice Lilian Kudya and Justice Lawrence Murasi.
The dispute arose two years ago after Zacc disagreed with labour arbitrator Roger Matsikidze’s ruling compelling the commission to pay allowances which included housing, transport, medical and life cover to its workers.
Zacc disputed the award arguing that the arbitrator had erred and misdirected himself at law in ordering the negotiation of conditions of service since the commission was not legally empowered to do so. Zacc further argued that it was not under any obligation to offer any benefits to its employees.
However, in passing judgment the Labour Court upheld the initial arbitral award saying Zacc was a constitutionally founded body with powers to employ and pay benefits to its workers.
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The court observed that while Zacc discharges its duties in consultation with the Ministers of Finance and Home Affairs, it however remained the sole negotiator of conditions of service for its workers.
Zacc was represented by Advocate Thabani Moyo assisted by Nelson Chamisa while the employees were represented by Samuel Banda. According to the award, each employee will pocket about $25 000.