By Own Correspondent

LABOUR disputes recorded in Zimbabwe in the year 2024 reached a total 4 000 with the majority of these being resolved in the same year, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ministry has revealed.

A labour dispute is a disagreement or conflict between employers and employees, or between employers and employee representatives (like unions), regarding terms and conditions of employment. 

These disputes can arise from disagreements over wages, working hours, benefits, job security, working conditions, or the interpretation and application of employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. 

Examples of labour disputes are Collective Bargaining Disputes, Rights disputes, Interest disputes and termination disputes.

In a recent update, the Public Service Ministry said Zimbabwe recorded nearly 4 000 labour disputes last year with 88 percent of them being resolved. A total 3 935 labour disputes were handled last year with 3 463 being resolved in the same year.

“The disputes range from unfair dismissals, wage disputes, which are common, contracts violations and unfair labour practices and workplace safety concerns,” the Ministry said.

Government has called for the urgent need for an effective and adaptable dispute resolution mechanism that caters for the evolving labour market landscape.

“Key stakeholders need to think about how to improve the resolution process including the integration of technology and innovative dispute resolution tools.

“Through collaboration under the Tripartite Negotiating Forum which brings the government, employers and employees, Zimbabwe has seen reduced work related tensions while harmonious industrial relations have been created,” added the Labour Ministry.