. . . HR manager under fire

CHITUNGWIZA human resources manager Mrs Mary Mukonyora has been accused of draining council resources by outsourcing external lawyers on labour issues, which she could ordinarily do.

Mrs Mukonyora was hauled over the coals by the caretaker commission chairperson, Mr Madzudzo Pawadyira, for failing to account for the number of labour cases being handled by external lawyers, Matsikidze and Mucheche Legal Practitioners.

Chitungwiza, which now owes $165 000 to the law firm, is now forking out $10 000 monthly to retire the debt.

Mrs Mukonyora told a full council meeting last Friday that most of the labour issues related to outstanding terminal benefits for workers whose contracts had been terminated.

“In our September monthly report and on the issue (of) labour matters, during the same month, we had 81 cases which are before the courts, arbitrators and our external lawyers,” said Mrs Mukonyora.

“The majority of the cases are of the employees whose services have been terminated and, through the Ministry of Labour, are suing council for either non-payment of salary arrears, terminal benefits or unfair dismissal. We have been, however, trying to negotiate with the employees; whenever we go to the Labour Court, we do outof-court settlements, where we are insisting on coming up with payment plans. But, however, because of our financial constraints, we have not been complying on paying at the agreed period.”