Sadc railway unions heap praises on NRZ

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has received regional praise from railway unions in Sadc for promoting engagement policy with its employees that cement social dialogue within the parastatal and also clearing outstanding salaries.

Recently, NRZ top officials led by General Manager, Ms Raspina Zinyanduko, labour expert Mrs Sandra Aifas who is currently the Regional Labour Officer for Bulawayo and members of the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railways Workers Union representatives attended the International Labour Organisation workshop on social dialogue in the railways sector in Livingstone, Zambia.

During the workshop, most union representatives from different countries were expressing concern over outstanding salaries running into months and salaries not paid on time.

SADC

However, it was noted that NRZ cleared all salary arrears and is paying salaries on time.
“The engagement was on social dialogue in the railway industry hosted by the International Labour Organisation workshop and Zimbabwe was one of the participants. For Zimbabwe, issues that came up were recapitalisation and sanctions imposed on the country which means that you don’t have foreign direct investment coming through,” said Mrs Aifas.

NRZ plays a pivotal role as the country’s major bulk transporter by providing transport services for inputs and finished products to and from the productive sectors of the economy.

In June, the Government signed a US$81,2 million potentially game-changing deal with India on the side-lines of the 18th Confederation of Indian Industry-Exim bank Conclave on India-Africa for the recapitalisation of NRZ.

The revitalisation of the NRZ is expected to enhance logistics efficiency across various economic sectors while easing the strain induced by using haulage trucks to transport bulk cargo like coal.

She added “ It was further noted during the discussions that the situation on union dues where NRZ used to owe Unions had changed.“We can confirm that NRZ is remitting all Union dues and in some instances Union actually owe NRZ. Furthermore, NRZ cleared all arrear salaries in September 2021 and is paying all salaries and allowances on time.

This is a very good foundation of social dialogue as it assists in reducing tension between the employer and the employee”.
Mrs Aifas added that in comparison to other countries, NRZ is a step ahead in terms of promoting social dialogue in the industry.

“We were excited that NRZ was amongst the best in Sadc as far as embracing social dialogue in the Railway Sector is concerned.
“We also learnt a lot from other countries and hope that such meetings will be held on a regular basis to further enhance social engagement skills, not only for the Railway Sector but for all employers across the globe

“There is employee involvement in decision making and in some instances employees form part of the committees formed to undertake certain exercises meant to enhance revenue generation. NRZ is also having quarterly meetings to discuss salaries and other ancillary matters with the Unions.”-chronicl