Mpariwa: Health Services Bill takes Zimbabwe back to 2009 labour situation
Proportional Representation legislator Paurina Mpariwa has proposed that the Health Services Amendment Bill should be relooked because it is taking the country backwards in terms of labour rights.
In 2009, Zimbabwe was found to be violating workers’ rights by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Mpariwa believes that passing the Health Services Amendment Bill in its current state risk taking the country back to that state.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the former trade unionist said women will be the most affected as they constitute the majority in the health sector.
‘’Madam Speaker, to come to my conclusion, there is need for this Bill to actually be relooked because already we have the marginalised constituency of workers, the majority being women.
‘’You are also a woman Madam Speaker and I hope and trust that you will also be persuaded, even the councils that are not regarded, we have a problem because when workers form their organisations they need to be recognised and the Constitution does recognise the rights of the workers.
‘’So, we cannot give with the right hand and take away with the left hand. The right approach has to be respected and this Bill has actually to take into consideration that it might put Zimbabwe back to the track of 2009 where we have actually been reported to the ILO in violation of workers’ rights and also the Public Service Commission has to do its work in informing or advising Ministers on what has to be tampered with and what can not be tampered with. I thank you for the opportunity,’’ she said.
During public hearings of the Bill, most people who attended registered their displeasure on the intents of the Bill which they say were hidden in mischief.
It however remains to be seen if the Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga will accept the suggestions when the Bill goes through Committee Stage.
The Committee stage is when Parliament goes through the Bill clause by clause. This is also the stage where changes can be made to the law.
Mpariwa: Health Services Bill takes Zimbabwe back to 2009 labour situation
