Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Zimbabwe

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) (Ratification: 1993)
Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery (Agriculture) Convention, 1951 (No. 99) (Ratification: 1993)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on wages, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 26 and 99 (minimum wage) together. The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020). It also takes note of the observations received from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) in 2019 and 2020 regarding the application of these Conventions.

Article 3 of Convention No. 26 and Article 3 of Convention No. 99. Minimum wage-fixing machinery. Consultation of the social partners. The Committee notes that ZCTU indicates that the statutory minimum wage has been revised in 2020 through the adoption of Statutory Instrument 81 of 2020. ZCTU alleges that the Government made a unilateral decision and did not seek consensus when adopting the new rate. ZCTU expresses concern about the disregard of the need to consult social partners and the lack of consideration of the cost of living in the determination of the minimum wage level. ZCTU also refers to the 2020 minimum wage rates reviewed by collective bargaining agreements in the agricultural sector. While appreciating the commitment by employers to collective bargaining, ZCTU expresses concern at the erosion of the workers’ buying power and the deteriorating socio-economic environment which have plunged agriculture industry workers into poverty. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Article 4 (1) of Convention No. 26 and Article 4 (1) of Convention No. 99. System of supervision and sanctions. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the measures taken to strengthen the labour inspection system. It also notes that ZCTU reiterates its concerns about the weakness and lack of resources of the labour inspectorate. Noting that these matters are addressed in detail in its comments on the application of ratified Conventions on labour inspection, the Committee refers to its comments in this regard.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2021.]