Econet Wireless Zimbabwe owned Steward Bank has been sued by the Zimbabwe Banks and Allied Workers’ Union (Zibawu) for alleged unfair labour practices. Zibawu, through its lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, alleges that Steward Bank is trying to circumvent the Labour Act by not renewing the fixed-term employment contracts of 92 workers. The bank is engaging the workers as volunteers and independent contractors although they are still doing the same type of work as before.
In his affidavit, Zibawu secretary-general, Shephard Ngandu said:
In this application, the first applicant (Zibawu) is seeking to protect the rights and interests of its members within the contemplation of the Labour Act as read with section 65 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
…there can be no scope for a state of affairs where ordinary vulnerable individuals are said to be providing vital services required by an employer in the capacity of independent contractors or as volunteers.
More: NewsDay
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