FSG, employees at loggerheads over alleged labour law violations

Harare-AGRICULTURE inputs manufacturer , Fertilizer, Seed and Grain (FSG) management is under scrutiny on allegations of violating labour laws, Express Mail Zim has learnt.

Information gathered from multiple sources point out to allegations that FSG Zimbabwe uses a labour broker called Headhunters International to recruit employees whom they give ‘short contracts’, albeit for long periods stretching to as much as between five to 10 years.

This practice is in complete negation of the Labour Law.

“I worked there for five years but never got a contract for permanent employment and their policies are unfair and devoid of equal opportunity because you won’t get terminal benefits,” said a former employee who relocated to the United Kingdom to seek greener pastures.

” Imagine, FSG is a beneficiary of a noble government policy Pfumvudza yet they violate the law put in place by the same government, ” added another source.

In Zimbabwe, a short-term contract is typically considered to be a contract that lasts for a period of up to 12 months.

Express Mail Zim spoke to South Africa based Zimbabwean Labour law expert Thelma Tinotenda Sithole who said FSG’s alleged actions were violation of labour laws.

“Well, in respect of the presumption of innocence principle, I would if the claims by the former and present employees that approached yourselves are correct then FSG has dirty hands.

“According to the Zimbabwean Labour Act, a fixed-term contract is defined as a contract that has a specific start and end date, and which does not exceed 24 months. However, if the contract is renewed or extended beyond 24 months, it is considered to be a permanent contract and if FSG is not abiding to such, then the violation is clear as pie stuff,” opined Sithole.

” However, it is also prudent and important to note that the Labour Act also provides that any contract that is less than 6 months is considered to be a short-term contract, and is subject to certain specific provisions and protections,” she added.

When contacted for comment, FSG Business Unit Executive Sean Durrad acknowledged the company’s use of Headhunters for recruitment but said his company upheld standard levels of corporate governance in sync with the labour laws of the land.

“We do use labour broker services as is an industry standard to effectively manage short term contract workers. FSG is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance with all relevant laws, including the Labour Act of Zimbabwe.

“We have a robust set of policies and procedures designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity,” wrote Durrad.

He further poured cold water on the allegations and stated that his company is not involved in such malpractice.

” We deny any involvement in activities that would constitute a violation of labour laws. Our relationship with Headhunters International, a respected labour broker, is conducted in strict compliance with all legal requirements. We engage with all partners in a manner that respects the rights and welfare of all employees, whether on short-term or long-term contracts. Any suggestion that our recruitment process is flawed or that we engage in practices intended to circumvent broader employment benefits is completely unfounded, “he said.

He piled blame on the employees who lamented over the violation of labour law and said the company has proper procedures to air griviances- insuniating that they jumped the gun by ‘reporting’ to the Fourth Estate.

” We have established grievance handling procedures in place, recognised and prescribed by law, to address any employee concerns.

” We encourage all employees to utilise these systems to resolve any issues they may encounter, ” said Durrad.

FSG is a manufacturer of agriculture fertilizers and company operate a plant located in Bindura.