THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has accused employers of “outright theft” for deducting statutory and third party payments from workers’ salaries and failing to remit them to relevant institutions.
These deductions include pensions, medical aid, National Social Security Authority (Nssa) contributions, and trade union dues.
As a result, employees are denied benefits when they fall due, despite the contributions appearing on their payslips.
The practice, now reportedly widespread in both the private and public sectors, has sparked outrage from labour unions and regulators.
It is eroding workers’ social protections and weakening the institutions designed to safeguard their welfare.
In the pensions sector alone, contribution arrears rose by 18,84% to US$110,43 million in the second quarter from the previous quarter.
“Let it be made clear: this conduct is outright theft from workers. It is criminal, unethical, and a gross abuse of trust,” ZCTU secretary-general, Tirivanhu Marimo, told businessdigest.
“These are not optional deductions; they are legal obligations meant to secure the welfare and future of employees. When employers withhold such remittances, they are robbing workers of their hard-earned benefits and placing their social and financial security at risk.
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“We condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms and demand that authorities take decisive action. Offending employers must face prosecution, heavy penalties, and, in serious cases, suspension of their operating licences. Workers must not be made to carry the burden of corporate irresponsibility.”
Marimo added that a lack of transparency often enables this malpractice, as many affected workers are denied payslips or any proof of deductions.
“The first line of defence is transparency; every worker must be issued with a payslip that clearly shows their deductions. Most of the workers who fall victim to non-remitted deductions are denied payslips or any proof of what is being deducted. That must stop,” he said.
He stated that the union is intensifying inspections through National Employment Councils and called for a tougher government stance.
“Government must stop treating these cases with kid gloves. Non-remittance is not an administrative lapse; it’s a criminal offence.
“We are pushing for amendments to strengthen enforcement, including naming and shaming habitual offenders and ensuring that those responsible are held personally liable. Workers’ money must never be used to finance company cashflow problems.”
Regarding pensions, the Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec) is taking action against defaulters.
Cuthbert Munjoma, Ipec pensions and life director, said the commission was enforcing the law to hold employers accountable.
“Defaulting employers have been engaged, and payment plans have been submitted, which the commission is monitoring,” he said.
