Who We Are
Decency and Dignity in Rural Work
The NEC for Rural District Councils came into existence upon registration of its Constitution by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on 2 March 2007. The founding parties were the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe (ARDCZ) representing the employers; and the Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Workers Union (ZRDCWU) representing the employees.
The parties have remained the same to this day. The NEC has performed relatively well since its formation. This is evidenced by the stability obtaining in the sector. At one time, the NEC was appointed to the committee of NECs which organizes and coordinates symposiums and other meetings of all the NECs in the country.
In December 2015, the parties agreed and signed the principal CBA for the sector, same was gazetted in 2017 as SI 87 of 2017. The CBA took long to be signed by the parties due to changes in board membership as occasioned by changes in councilors because of elections.
The NEC has, however, managed to operate and to service its membership effectively. In 2020 a new branch was opened in Bulawayo to service the Southern Region which consists of Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.
Currently the NEC has a total staff complement of 6 which includes two Designated Agents. The basis of its membership is the 60 Rural District Councils in the country. Put together, there are plus or minus 4000 employees covered by the NEC for Rural District Councils.
The parties have remained the same to this day. The NEC has performed relatively well since its formation. This is evidenced by the stability obtaining in the sector. At one time, the NEC was appointed to the committee of NECs which organizes and coordinates symposiums and other meetings of all the NECs in the country.
In December 2015, the parties agreed and signed the principal CBA for the sector, same was gazetted in 2017 as SI 87 of 2017. The CBA took long to be signed by the parties due to changes in board membership as occasioned by changes in councilors because of elections.
The NEC has, however, managed to operate and to service its membership effectively. In 2020 a new branch was opened in Bulawayo to service the Southern Region which consists of Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.
Currently the NEC has a total staff complement of 6 which includes two Designated Agents. The basis of its membership is the 60 Rural District Councils in the country. Put together, there are plus or minus 4000 employees covered by the NEC for Rural District Councils.
Our Foundation
Vision, Mission & Achievements
Our Mission
To enhance excellency and promote harmonious Industrial Relations in all Rural District Councils.
Our Vision
A stable, inclusive and efficient Rural Industrial Sector by 2025.
Achievements
- Regular negotiations to catch up with the ever-increasing cost of living
- Dispute settlement and trainings for improved industrial relations in the sector
- Employees' conditions of employment kept at pace with the ever-shifting economic environment
- Assisting employers and employees to find common ground on issues affecting them
Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe (ARDCZ)
Representing the employers: the 60 Rural District Councils
Zimbabwe Rural District Councils Workers Union (ZRDCWU)
Representing the employees of Rural District Councils
The NEC — A Bipartite Body
Bringing both sides together for social dialogue and fair labour relations
What is an NEC?
A Bipartite Labour Relations Body
A National Employment Council (NEC) is a bipartite body established under the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] that brings together representatives from employers' organisations and workers' unions to promote:
- Social dialogue and cooperation
- Fair labour standards
- Dispute prevention and resolution
- Collective bargaining
- Good governance in the labour market
In Zimbabwe the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01] regulates the formation and operations of Employment Councils.